Feeling a bit overwhelmed

[8jimi8]

So,

i am taking an EMT-I class online. Am I completely satisfied with the curriculum?

Not entirely.

Obviously this paramedic instructor has the credentials to run an accredited program, but she lacks basic spelling/grammar check functions in her daily habits.

It's a bit frustrating.

But as I go through the homeworks that she assigns, I get random questions like...

"21. You have a head-injured patient who exhibits decerebrate posturing. Med control orders Mannitol at the minimum adult dose. How do you do it?"

My nursing software states under

administration "Infuse appropriate dose and concentration at ordered rate"

Indication and dosages states " To reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure adults: 1.5-2g/kg IV of a 15,20, or 25% solution over 30-60 minutes.

Preparation and storage states "Add contents of two 50-ml vials (25% mannitol) to 900 ml of SW for injection."


Now then assuming that the patient is 50kg and the minimum dose is 1.5g/kg
this would mean that the patient needs to receive 75mg of mannitol over 30-60minutes.

Am I crazy or is it asking for 3L of iv fluid over 30-60 minutes in a person who has IICP??



Do you, as paramedics memorize every single protocol and dosage? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed trying to imagine committing every protocol to rote memory. Is this the case?!! (oh and if you can solve my mannitol dilemma, please, i'm looking forward to the flaw in my logic)

 

[grich242]

Here is a common problem with people already educated and or experienced in another area like an RN, for example.. stop thinking like a nurse while we have some skills in common the jobs and even theory and practice can be very different. Stop using nursing texts software etc.. while you are in class. While these can be great resources they can steer you in the wrong direction at times. Remember the class you are in is written and designed for someone without healthcare experience. Try to use texts and resources specifically for ems for now. It will help you to focus on treatments from an ems prospective and as far as most courses that means pre-hospital. It will also help you from over thinking test questions and scenario's. Many of the meds we use can change in dose route etc based on the setting they are used in. As for the protocols, dont worry about them for now because they can change vastly by location and even employer they should not be taught in an initial class. Use the ems texts and resources from your class first as if it is covered they should be in there somewhere and if you do need to look outside those resources be sure they are ems based. hope this helps.