TL;DR
Study drug classifications, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications of commonly used medications. Pharmacology knowledge is essential for safe medication administration and heavily tested.
Free RSI Pharmacology Practice Questions
NREMT Paramedic Certification · Airway & Ventilation (Advanced)
This module covers RSI Pharmacology as part of the Airway & Ventilation (Advanced) section, testing your understanding of core concepts and their practical application.
| Exam | NREMT Paramedic Certification |
| Pass Rate | 67% |
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Module | RSI Pharmacology |
Why RSI Pharmacology matters
RSI Pharmacology is one of the most tested areas because medication errors are among the most preventable causes of patient harm.
Sample Practice Questions (5)
1. A 25-year-old male with a history of muscular dystrophy presents in acute respiratory failure requiring intubation. Which neuromuscular blocking agent is ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED for RSI in this patient?
- Succinylcholine
- Rocuronium
- Vecuronium
- Cisatracurium
2. A 55-year-old patient with severe sepsis and a blood pressure of 78/42 mmHg requires RSI. Which of the following induction agent choices and rationales is MOST appropriate?
- Ketamine 1-2 mg/kg IV because it supports blood pressure through sympathomimetic effects
- Etomidate 0.3 mg/kg IV because it has no hemodynamic effects
- Propofol 2 mg/kg IV because its rapid onset minimizes the apneic period
- Midazolam 0.3 mg/kg IV because benzodiazepines are safest in hypotension
3. You perform RSI using ketamine and rocuronium on an agitated trauma patient. Intubation is successful, but 20 minutes later the patient begins to move and attempts to self-extubate despite the rocuronium. The MOST likely explanation is:
- The sedative effects of the ketamine induction dose have worn off; the patient needs post-intubation sedation
- The rocuronium has already been fully metabolized
- The patient is experiencing ketamine emergence reactions
- The initial rocuronium dose was insufficient
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- Malignant hyperthermia — administer dantrolene and initiate aggressive cooling
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome — administer bromocriptine
- Serotonin syndrome — administer cyproheptadine
- Inadequate paralysis — administer an additional dose of succinylcholine
5. During RSI, after administering etomidate and succinylcholine, you observe muscle fasciculations followed by flaccid paralysis. You attempt intubation but cannot pass the tube. The paralysis begins to wear off before you can secure the airway. What is the expected duration of action of succinylcholine?
- 6-10 minutes
- 30-45 minutes
- 1-2 minutes
- 60-90 minutes
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