Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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Study for the Florida State Paramedic Exam with essential tips and guidance. Understand the exam format, the topics covered, and practice with expertly designed questions to ace your test.

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Which of the following is a controlled substance that does not produce constricted pupils?

Valium
Heroin
Demerol
Organophosphates

The correct answer is: Valium

Valium, also known as diazepam, is a benzodiazepine that is classified as a controlled substance but does not commonly produce constricted pupils, a reaction often associated with opioids and certain other drugs. Unlike heroin and Demerol, which are opioids and typically cause miosis (pupil constriction) due to their action on the brain's opioid receptors, Valium primarily acts as a central nervous system depressant with anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant properties. Organophosphates, while not a controlled substance, are toxic compounds that can lead to symptoms such as pinpoint pupils, primarily due to their action as cholinesterase inhibitors, causing an accumulation of acetylcholine in the body. Understanding the effects of these substances is important for paramedics, especially in terms of recognizing signs and symptoms in patients for effective treatment and management.