CH 22: Pharmacology Flashcards
What is Pharmacology?
The study of drugs and how the interact with the body.
Assisting vs Administration
Assisting with medications involves variety of activities, including:
- Locating the drug
- Helping prepare the drug
- Guiding the person to take it
- Reading medication package
Administration of drugs is outside our scope of practice, and entails:
- Responder physically introduces the drug into the patients body
- Makes the decision to give the drug to the patient
- Requires special training
- Or requires authorization from a physician who is allowed to administer drugs and will provide medical direction
What is one scenario in which a responder without training can administer drugs to a patient?
When a physician who is allowed to administer medication, authorized the responder to do so, with their medical direction. This can be looked at as the responder administering medication on the physician’s behalf.
What are the 4 things a responder is responsible for knowing before assisting someone with their medication?
- Therapeutic benefits of the drug
- Side effects of the drug
- Indications of the drug
- Contraindications of the drug
What is addiction?
A strong dependence on a drug that may be physiological, or psychological in nature. May occur due to a decreased response to a drug with repeated use.
What is an Agonist?
(In a pharmacological sense)
Drugs that bind with a receptor in the body to produce a bioloigcal response.
What is an Antagonist?
(In a pharmacological sense)
Drugs that combine with a receptor in the body to prevent a biological response.
What does Contraindication mean?
A medical or physiological factor that make it harmful to administer a medication that would otherwise have a therapuetic value.
What is a Depressant?
A substance that decreases a body function or activity.
