11. Pharmacology

Question 1

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.

Answer 1

absorption

Question 2

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Answer 2

action

Question 3

An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses.

Answer 3

activated charcoal

Question 4

The process of binding or sticking to a surface.

Answer 4

adsorption

Question 5

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Answer 5

agonist

Question 6

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.

Answer 6

antagonist

Question 7

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).

Answer 7

aspirin

Question 8

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient.

Answer 8

contraindications

Question 9

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.

Answer 9

dose

Question 10

Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.

Answer 10

EMT-administered medication

Question 11

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Answer 11

enteral medications

Question 12

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone on the bronchiole tree.

Answer 12

epinephrine

Question 13

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.

Answer 13

gel

Question 14

The original chemical name of a medication; name is not capitalized.

Answer 14

generic name

Question 15

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Answer 15

hypoglycemia

Question 16

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Answer 16

indications

Question 17

Breathing into lungs; a medication delivery route.

Answer 17

inhalations

Question 18

An injection into the muscle

Answer 18

intramuscular injections

Question 19

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.

Answer 19

intranasal

Question 20

An injection into the bone

Answer 20

intraosseus injections

Question 21

An injection directly into a vein.

Answer 21

intravenous injections

Question 22

A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.

Answer 22

medications

Question 23

A miniture spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled.

Answer 23

metered dose inhaler

Question 24

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and pushed into the naris.

Answer 24

mucosal atomizer device

Question 25

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer the medication.

Answer 25

nitroglycerin

Question 26

By mouth

Answer 26

oral

Question 27

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream.

Answer 27

oral glucose

Question 28

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.

Answer 28

over the counter medications

Question 29

A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without oxygen.

Answer 29

oxygen

Question 30

Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membrane.

Answer 30

parenteral medications

Question 31

When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.

Answer 31

patient-assisted medications

Question 32

When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner.

Answer 32

peer-assisted medications

Question 33

Through the mouth

Answer 33

per os (PO)

Question 34

Through the rectum

Answer 34

per rectum (PR)

Question 35

The process by which a medication works on the body.

Answer 35

pharmacodynamics

Question 36

The study of the properties and effects of medications

Answer 36

pharmacology

Question 37

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis

Answer 37

polypharmacy

Question 38

Medications that are distributed to patients only

by pharmacists according to the physician order.

Answer 38

prescription medications

Question 39

Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones.

Answer 39

side effects

Question 40

A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand.

Answer 40

solution

Question 41

Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.

Answer 41

subcutaneous injections

Question 42

Administration of a medication under the tongue.

Answer 42

sublingual

Question 43

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but does not dissolve.

Answer 43

suspension

Question 44

The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body.

Answer 44

therapeutic effect

Question 45

Lotions, creams, and ointments applied to the surface of the skin and affect only the area; a medication delivery route.

Answer 45

topical medications

Question 46

The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.

Answer 46

trade name

Question 47

Through the skin

Answer 47

transcutaneous (transdermal)

Question 48

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.

Answer 48

unintended effects

Question 49

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.

Answer 49

untoward effects