NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyMedium
A 35-year-old male is experiencing acute onset of severe anxiety and a panic attack. He states he feels 'like he's going to die.' His heart rate is 130 bpm, respirations 28 bpm, and blood pressure 150/90 mmHg. He has no history of cardiac issues or asthma. Which of the following medications, if available and within local protocol, would be most appropriate for an EMT to administer to help calm the patient and reduce his anxiety?
- AActivated Charcoal
- BOxygen via nasal cannula
- COral Glucose
- DAspirin
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Oxygen via nasal cannula
While oxygen might not be medically necessary if the patient's SpO2 is normal, administering oxygen via nasal cannula in a patient experiencing a panic attack can have a profound psychological calming effect. The sensation of receiving 'help' and the perceived improvement in breathing can help break the cycle of anxiety and hyperventilation, even if the underlying hypoxia isn't present.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Activated charcoal is for poisoning, not anxiety.
- C. Oral glucose is for hypoglycemia, not anxiety.
- D. Aspirin is for suspected cardiac events, not anxiety.
Psychological Effects of Oxygen Administration
The non-physiological benefits of administering oxygen, particularly in anxious or dyspneic patients, which can help alleviate distress.
- Provides a sense of 'being helped' or 'doing something'.
- Can help calm anxious or panicking patients.
- May help regulate breathing patterns in hyperventilating patients.
- Important to rule out medical causes of anxiety first.
Memory trick: Panic's grip can be released, with oxygen's calm, finding peace.