Ch. 61 Introduction to Pharmacology Flashcards
medication
a medicinal agent that modifies body functions
pharmacology
the science that deals with the origin, nature, chemistry, effects, and uses of medications
primary nursing obligation
“do no harm”
Five “schedules” of controlled substances
Schedule I: High potential for abuse; no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD; not kept in healthcare facilities or pharmacies)
Schedule II: High potential for abuse; severe dependence liability (narcotics, amphetamines, some barbiturates)
Schedule III: Lower potential for abuse than Schedule II drugs; moderate dependence liability (anabolic steroids, non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants)
Schedule IV: Lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs; limited dependence liability (some sedatives, anti anxiety agents, nonnarcotic analgesics)
Schedule V: Limited potential for abuse; primarily small amounts of narcotics (codeine) used as antitussives and antidiarrheals
Clients Rights to Medication
verify: Patient Medication Amount Route Time Allergy
pharmacokinetics
actions of drugs
oral
administered by mouth
topical
applied to the skin or mucous membranes
inhalable
inhaled or breathed in
injectable
given via a needle
transdermal
applied to and absorbed through the skin (patch)
chemical name
describes the medication’s chemical composition
generic name
is often similar to the chemical name and is assigned by the medication’s first manufacturer
official name
the name identified in the USP (United States Pharmacopeia)
trade name or brand name
the copyrighted name assigned by he company manufacturing the medication and is usually followed by the symbol “R” or “TM”
agonist
a medication that produces a desired response
antagonist
a medication that has an opposing effect, or acts against another medication
synergistic or potentiating
a medication that enhances the effect of another medication
enteral
by mouth
parenterally
bypass the mouth; by some means other than the gastrointestinal tract
syrup
liquid that contains a sweetener
tincture
form of a liquid medication that contains alcohol
troche
medicated tablet that dissolves in the mouth
sublingual
under the tongue
translingual
on the tongue
transmucosal
tablet or gel is placed between the cheek and gum
tablet
compressed, spherical form of a medication
enteric-coated
coating on tablets that does not dissolve until the tablet reaches the intestine, because the medication can irritate the stomach mucosa
caplet
tablet in the shape of a capsule
SR
slow release
DR
delayed release
ER, XR
extended release
IR
immediate release
ODT
orally disintegrating tablet; solid, but dissolves very quickly when exposed to saliva in the client’s mouth
semisolid medication
usually given by rectal, vaginal, or urethral routes.
Designed to melt at body temperature and are absorbed through mucosa or skin.
Suppositories are usually kept refrigerated, to maintain their shape
MDI
metered-dose inhaler
TD
transdermal; absorbed through the skin
dose
a single amount of a medication administered to achieve a therapeutic effect
dosage
contains the dose and scheduled times
therapeutic dose
the amount of medication required to obtain a desired effect
loading dose
larger than the usual continuing dose, may be given as the first dose of a newly prescribed medication to establish a minimum blood level
maximal dose
largest amount that can be given safely without causing an adverse reaction or toxic effect
toxic dose
the amount of medication that causes symptoms of poisoning or toxicity
lethal dose
the amount of medication that will cause death
paradoxical
the opposite of the desired response (to medication)
prescription
written or verbal formula for preparing and giving a medication
legend drug
a medicine that under federal law cannot be dispensed without a prescription from a licensed practitioner
OTC
Over The Counter: medications that can be purchased without a prescription
VORB
Verbal Order, Read Back
TORB
Telephone Order, Read Back
You are preparing to give a client his medications. He is alert, oriented, and sitting up in bed. The client states that he is allergic to one of the medications you are planning to give. What action should you take?
a. Ask a family member if the client is allergic to the medication.
b. give the client his medication.
c. give the medication later in the shift.
d. notify the team leader or provider and do not give the medication.
d. notify the team leader or provider and do not give the medication.
A controlled substance that is medically accepted and has a high potential for abuse as well as severe dependence is which category of schedule substances?
a. I
b. II
c. III
d. IV
b. II
Which of the following would the client have a right to request as a less expensive alternative to a prescription medication?
a. Advil
b. Genpril
c. Ibuprofen
d. Motrin
c. Ibuprofen
Which route of medication would have the most rapid onset?
a. Intravenous
b. Transdermal patch
c. Oral tablet
d. Rectal
a. Intravenous
You are preparing to give medications to a client and are unfamiliar with a medication. The most appropriate action would be:
a. Administer the medication now, as ordered.
b. Ask another nurse about the medication before giving the medication.
c. Ask the client if this medication is taken regularly by him or her.
d. Hold the medication until you look it up in a reference resource book.
d. Hold the medication until you look it up in a reference resource book.
How many milliliters in a teaspoon?
5 mL
How many teaspoons in a tablespoon?
3 tsp
How many mL in an ounce?
30 mL
How many ounces in a cup?
8 oz
How many ounces in a pint?
16 oz
How many mL in a cup?
240 mL
How many pints in a quart?
2 pints
How many pounds in a kilogram?
2.2 lb
How many milligrams in a gram?
1000 mL
How many grams in a kilogram?
1000 g
The physician has ordered penicillin oral suspension 500mg. The medication available is 0.25g/5mL. How much medication will you administer with each dose?
10 mL
How many milligrams in grain 1?
60 mg
What is the abbreviation for drops?
gtt
How many centimeters are in one inch?
2.54 cm
