Ch. 12 Principles of Pharmacology Flashcards
Absorption
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the blood stream.
Action
The theraputic effect of a medication on the body.
Adverse effects
Any unwanted clinical results of a medication.
Agonist
A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.
Antibiotic
A medication used to treat infections caused by a becterium.
Anticoagulant
A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.
Antifungal
A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus.
Antiplatelet
A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.
Aspirin (acetylcalicylic acid or ASA)
A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).
Contraindications
Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient.
Dose
The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.
Duration
The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last.
Elimination
The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body.
EMT-administered medication
Administration of a mediction by the EMT directly to the patient.
Enteral medications
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.
Epinephrine
A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree.
Gel
A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.
Generic name
The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its proprietary or trade names); the name is not capitalized.
Hypoglycemia
An abnormally low blood glucose level.
Indications
The theraputic uses for a specific medication.
Inhalation
The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route.
Intramuscular (IM) injection
An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.
Intranasal (IN)
A delivery route in which medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the nostrils.
Intravenous (IV)
An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.
Medication
A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.
Medication error
Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.
Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs.
Mucosal atomizer device (MAD)
A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.
Nitroglycerin
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.
Onset of action
The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects.
Oral
By mouth; a medication delivery route.
Oral glucose
A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.
Oxygen
A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without oxygen.
Parenteral medications
Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.
Patient-assisted medication
When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.
Peak
The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved.
Peer-assisted medication
When the EMT administers medication to himself or herself or to a partner.
Per os (PO)
Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; the same as oral.
Per rectum (PR)
Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.
Pharmacodynamics
The process by whidh a medication works on the body.
Pharmacokinetics
The process that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated.
Pharmacology
The study of the properties and effects of medications.
Polypharmacy
The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.
Prescription medications
Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order.
Solution
A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing tthe mixture to stand.
Subcutaneous injection (SQ)
Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.
Sublingual (SL)
Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.
Suspension
A mixture of tround particles that are distrebuted evently throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.
Theraputic evvect
The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body.
Topical medications
Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the slin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route.
Trade name
The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.
Transcutaneous (transdermal)
Through the skin; a medication delivery route.
Unintended effects
Actions that are undesireable but pose little risk to the patient.
Untoward effects
Actions that can be harmful to the patient.
