Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is a common treatment for pulmonary edema?

1. Lasix, morphine, Nitro, O2

2. Amiodarone, atropine, CPR, IV fluids

3. Magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, insulin, dextrose

4. Metoprolol, verapamil, nitroglycerin, heparin

The correct answer is: Lasix, morphine, Nitro, O2

Pulmonary edema is a condition characterized by excess fluid in the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing and decreased oxygenation. The correct approach to treat pulmonary edema involves both addressing the underlying cause and providing symptomatic relief. The combination of Lasix (a diuretic), morphine, nitroglycerin, and oxygen is effective for managing pulmonary edema. Lasix works by promoting the excretion of excess fluid, thereby reducing the volume of fluid in the lungs and improving the patient's breathing. Morphine can help alleviate anxiety associated with breathing difficulties and may also reduce the preload on the heart, providing some cardiac relief. Nitroglycerin acts as a vasodilator, reducing the workload on the heart and relieving fluid buildup. Oxygen therapy is crucial because it helps increase oxygen availability to the tissues, counteracting hypoxia that often accompanies pulmonary edema. The other treatment combinations proposed do not effectively address the fluid accumulation in the lungs or the primary symptoms associated with pulmonary edema. For example, the medications in the second option are more relevant in managing bradycardia or cardiac arrest rather than directly treating pulmonary edema. The third option contains drugs used in different contexts, such as managing certain arrhythmias or metabolic issues, but they do not specifically target the pulmonary