Ch. 12 Principles of Pharmacology

Question 1

Absorption

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Action

Answer 2

The theraputic effect of a medication on the body.

Question 3

Adverse effects

Answer 3

Any unwanted clinical results of a medication.

Question 4

Agonist

Answer 4

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Question 5

Antibiotic

Answer 5

A medication used to treat infections caused by a becterium.

Question 6

Anticoagulant

Answer 6

A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.

Question 7

Antifungal

Answer 7

A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus.

Question 8

Antiplatelet

Answer 8

A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.

Question 9

Aspirin (acetylcalicylic acid or ASA)

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Contraindications

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Dose

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Duration

Answer 12

The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last.

Question 13

Elimination

Answer 13

The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body.

Question 14

EMT-administered medication

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Enteral medications

Answer 15

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Question 16

Epinephrine

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Gel

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Generic name

Answer 18

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its proprietary or trade names); the name is not capitalized.

Question 19

Hypoglycemia

Answer 19

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Question 20

Indications

Answer 20

The theraputic uses for a specific medication.

Question 21

Inhalation

Answer 21

The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route.

Question 22

Intramuscular (IM) injection

Answer 22

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Question 23

Intranasal (IN)

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Intravenous (IV)

Answer 24

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Question 25

Medication

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Medication error

Answer 26

Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.

Question 27

Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)

Answer 27

A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs.

Question 28

Mucosal atomizer device (MAD)

Answer 28

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.

Question 29

Nitroglycerin

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Onset of action

Answer 30

The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects.

Question 31

Oral

Answer 31

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Question 32

Oral glucose

Answer 32

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Question 33

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Oxygen

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Parenteral medications

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Patient-assisted medication

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Peak

Answer 37

The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved.

Question 38

Peer-assisted medication

Answer 38

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

Question 39

Per os (PO)

Answer 39

Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; the same as oral.

Question 40

Per rectum (PR)

Answer 40

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Question 41

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 41

The process by whidh a medication works on the body.

Question 42

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 42

The process that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated.

Question 43

Pharmacology

Answer 43

The study of the properties and effects of medications.

Question 44

Polypharmacy

Answer 44

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.

Question 45

Prescription medications

Answer 45

Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician's order.

Question 46

Solution

Answer 46

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

Question 47

Subcutaneous injection (SQ)

Answer 47

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

Question 48

Sublingual (SL)

Answer 48

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Question 49

Suspension

Answer 49

A mixture of tround particles that are distrebuted evently throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

Question 50

Theraputic evvect

Answer 50

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

Question 51

Topical medications

Answer 51

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

Question 52

Trade name

Answer 52

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

Question 53

Transcutaneous (transdermal)

Answer 53

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Question 54

Unintended effects

Answer 54

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

Question 55

Untoward effects

Answer 55

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.