1430 Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of medications?
To prevent, diagnose, treat, or manage diseases and conditions
Medications can also help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Define pharmacokinetics.
The study of how drugs move through the body
This includes absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
What are the four main phases of pharmacokinetics?
- Absorption
- Distribution
- Metabolism
- Excretion
These phases describe how a drug is processed in the body.
Fill in the blank: The process by which a drug is taken into the bloodstream is called _______.
[Absorption]
What factors can affect drug absorption?
- Route of administration
- Blood flow to the site of administration
- Surface area available for absorption
- Drug formulation
Each of these factors can influence how quickly and effectively a drug is absorbed.
True or False: Drug distribution refers to how a drug is eliminated from the body.
False
Drug distribution refers to the dispersion of the drug throughout the fluids and tissues of the body.
What is metabolism in the context of pharmacology?
The chemical alteration of a drug in the body
Metabolism often converts active drugs into inactive metabolites.
What organs are primarily involved in drug metabolism?
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Intestines
The liver is the most significant organ for drug metabolism.
Fill in the blank: The process of removing a drug from the body is known as _______.
[Excretion]
List the common routes of drug administration.
- Oral
- Intravenous
- Intramuscular
- Subcutaneous
- Topical
Each route has specific advantages and disadvantages.
What is the difference between a generic drug and a brand-name drug?
A generic drug is a chemical equivalent to a brand-name drug but marketed under its chemical name
Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs.
What is the role of the FDA in medication regulation?
To ensure the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs
The FDA also oversees the approval process for new medications.
True or False: All medications have side effects.
True
Side effects can vary in severity and may not occur in every individual.
What is the term for the dose of a drug that produces the desired effect?
[Therapeutic dose]
What does the term ‘half-life’ refer to in pharmacology?
The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half
Half-life affects dosing schedules and drug accumulation.
List three factors that influence drug action.
- Age
- Weight
- Genetic factors
These factors can affect how a drug is metabolized and its efficacy.
Fill in the blank: The study of how drugs affect biological systems is known as _______.
[Pharmacodynamics]
What are the antecedents of comfort?
- Effective circulatory system
- Ability to discern comfort from discomfort
- Absence of noxious stimuli
- Intact neurological/sensory system
These factors contribute to maintaining optimal comfort.
What are the attributes of comfort?
- Reports feeling comfortable
- Indicates a pain scale rating of zero
- Displays a relaxed facial expression and body posture
- Vital signs within normal limits for the patient’s baseline
Define comfort.
A state of physical ease that includes a holistic human experience across four contexts: physical, psycho-spiritual, sociocultural, and environmental.
List the four contexts of comfort.
- Physical
- Psycho-spiritual
- Sociocultural
- Environmental
What are the risk factors for impaired comfort across the lifespan?
- Age
- Medical conditions
- Social support
- Lack of knowledge/info
- Cultural background, including addiction
What are physical indicators of impaired comfort?
- Pain scale above zero
- Vital sign changes (inc. HR, BP, and RR)
- Nonverbal cues: grimacing, moaning, restlessness, guarding, and crying
What are behavioral and emotional signs of impaired comfort?
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Irritability
- Withdrawal
- Hopelessness