Week 9 - Legal & Operational Drug Issues

Week 9 – Legal & Operational Drug Issues

A couple weeks back we listened to a Podcast from Dr. Jeffrey Guy with the Vanderbilt School of Medicine.  Just a heads up, you’ll be hearing his voice a lot over the next several months because some of the information he delivers is extremely valuable, and as the course proceeds I intend to expose you to more of his podcasts.

The podcast for this week deals with some of the legal issues surrounding the drugs we give.  As we start our basics of pharmacology, there is some vital information that you should be aware of as we advance through the course.

A link is provided below and then some questions at the end for you to answer and reflect upon what you’ve heard.

This blog will be due NLT 5 April 2012.

Link

http://cl.ly/2t2T3u2p2d422d1S232c

Practical Exercise

1.     Dr. Guy provides a comparison between the medications we give and the “tools” that rescue personnel carry.  Do you agree with this?  Why or why not?

2.     The shelf life of medications is based on many factors.  Which is NOT a factor?

a.    Chemical composition of the drug;

b.    Stability or volatility;

c.     Medication half life;

d.    Expected period of effectiveness.

3.     Administering a medication that has been exposed to extremes in temperature (being hot or cold) does not benefit the patient.  If the paramedic administers one of these drugs, which of the following can happen?

a.    Patient has an allergic reaction;

b.    Paramedic could be liable for negligence;

c.     Paramedic could face disciplinary action;

d.    Patient develops hypotensive crisis.

4.     Dr. Guy refers to the ABCs and says he has his own version, the IABCs.  What does the “I" stand for and why does he include it

5.     While performing your morning check off, you note that a seal on a vial of Morphine has been compromised.  The medication was not used during a call the shift before and the outgoing crew did not share this mishap with you.  If you are affiliated with an agency, share what your agencies policy is on this.  If you are not affiliated, tell me what you would do in this particular instance. 

Week 8 - Obtaining a Blood Sample

Week 8 – Obtaining a Blood Sample

Obtaining a blood sample is not something that Paramedic’s typically perform in the field, however it is something that you will see a lot of during your clinical times.  There is a meaning and purpose to those little tubes with colored tops on them, and the attachment below will walk you through some steps on obtaining a blood sample, and also break down what the purpose of each tube is.  Review the document and answer the questions below.

http://cl.ly/3q2g1m3C422D3k0Z3l0b

Practical Exercise:

1.     Why are venous blood samples typically performed?

2.     If no IV line is present, what would you want to use to obtain the blood sample?

3.     What tests are done on the green blood sample container?

4.     Which tube is not inverted after obtaining the sample and why?

5.     EDTA tubes are used to collect what type of sample?

Week 7 - REST!

This is one of those blogs I promised you, where its nice and easy and you guys can take a rest!  I know you had your first test on Wednesday (07 MAR 12), so I want you to each provide me with some feedback on how you felt you did, and how you intend to improve for the next test.

Relax, there is no right or wrong answer, but I want you each to take a few minutes and reflect on how your first test went.  Stating more than "I just need to study more" would be advisable. 

I expect responses NLT (no later then) 15 Mar 12.

Week 6 - Tracheotomy

Below is a link to a YouTube video that shows a surgical trach being performed (don’t laugh too hard at the Lady GaGa playing in the background – I certainly did.  Surgical trachs aren’t typically performed in the field as a Paramedic, but there are some jurisdictions and cases where you may be called on to perform this skill, so it is vital to understand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8irjJ4yMMg&feature=related

Below is a link to a document that talks a little bit about tracheotomy emergencies.  Read the document, and answer the questions below.

http://cl.ly/0Y1U1V3K0A1u393g2O2r

This blog will be due to me NLT (no later than) 8 March 2012.

Practical Exercise:

1.     What are the three (3) ways listed to help prevent a blocked tracheotomy tube?

2.     How does a cuffed tube cause damage to the trachea from a tracheotomy?

3.     What is a good measurement tool to assess that tape around a tube is not too tight, but is still securing the tube adequately?

4.     In the video of the surgical tracheotomy, what is causing the bubbles when the trachea is first cut?

5.     After the endotracheal tube is removed, what action follows?