Chapter 1 - Vital Vocabulary

Question 1

Absorption Stage

Answer 1

The stage when a drug enters the body and reaches the bloodstream

Question 2

Active Transport

Answer 2

There are two general methods by which drugs cross the cell membrane: by active or passive transport. Active transport moves via pumps that require energy and move the drug from an area of low concentration to an area of high concentration.

Question 3

Additive Effect

Answer 3

When two drugs work together to produce an effect a single drug would not produce. This is also referred to as summation.

Question 4

Adrenergic

Answer 4

Pertaining to nerves that release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine or noradrenaline (such as adrenergic nerves, adrenergic response). The term also pertains to the receptors acted on by norepinephrine, that is, the adrenergic receptors.

Question 5

Adverse Reaction

Answer 5

An undesirable response to a drug that may be sudden or take days to occur.

Question 6

Afferent Nerves

Answer 6

The nerves that carry sensory impulses from all parts of the body to the brain.

Question 7

Agonist

Answer 7

The substance that mimics the actions of a specific neurotransmitter or hormone by binding to the specific receptor of the naturally occurring substance.

Question 8

Analgesics

Answer 8

A classification for medications that relieve pain, or induce analgesia.

Question 9

Anesthetics

Answer 9

A type of medication intended to induce a loss of sensation to touch or pain.

Question 10

Antagonist

Answer 10

When one drug prevents or reverses the reaction of another. This may be chemical, competitive, or physiologic.

Question 11

Antibiotics

Answer 11

The medications that fight bacterial infection by killing the bacteria or by preventing multiplication of the bacteria to allow the body’s immune system to overcome them.

Question 12

Anticholinergic

Answer 12

Of or pertaining to the blocking of acetylcholine receptors, resulting in inhibition of transmission of parasympathetic nerve impulses.

Question 13

Anticoagulants

Answer 13

The medications used to prevent intravascular thrombosis by preventing blood coagulation in the vascular system.

Question 14

Anticonvulsants

Answer 14

The medications used to treat seizures, which are believed to work by inhibiting the influx of sodium into cells.

Question 15

Antihyperlipidemics

Answer 15

Medications that help to lower cholesterol

Question 16

Antihypertensives

Answer 16

The medications used to control blood pressure.

Question 17

Antineoplastic Agents

Answer 17

The medications that interfere with the collection of platelets.

Question 18

Antiseptic

Answer 18

An agent designed to prevent growth of caustic microorganisms.

Question 19

Aseptic Technique

Answer 19

A method of cleansing used to prevent contamination of a site when performing an invasive procedure, such as starting an IV.

Question 20

Aural Route

Answer 20

Medication given into the patient’s ear.

Question 21

Autonomic Nervous System

Answer 21

The component of the peripheral nervous system that sends sensory impulses from internal structures (such as blood vessels, the heart, and organs of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis) through afferent autonomic nerves to the brain.

Question 22

Barbiturates

Answer 22

Any medications of a group of barbituric acid derivatives that act as central nervous system depressants and are used as sedatives and hypnotics.

Question 23

Benzodiazepines

Answer 23

Any medications of a group of psychotropic agents used as antianxiety, muscle relaxants, sedatives, and hypnotics.

Question 24

Biotransformation Stage

Answer 24

The stage when a drug is altered chemically or broken down. Many of these processes occur in the liver.

Question 25

Bolus

Answer 25

A single dose (small or large) given by the IV or IO route.

Question 26

Buccal Route

Answer 26

Medication given to be absorbed between the cheek and gum.

Question 27

Capsule

Answer 27

A cylindrical gelatin container enclosing a dose of medication.

Question 28

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Answer 28

The system containing the brain and spinal cord.

Question 29

Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants

Answer 29

Any medications or agents that increase brain activity.

Question 30

Cholinergic

Answer 30

Fibers in the parasympathetic nervous system that release a chemical called acetylcholine.

Question 31

Cross Tolerance

Answer 31

The resistance to the effect or effects of a drug as a result of tolerance previously developed to another drug having a similar pharmacologic action.

Question 32

Cumulative Effect

Answer 32

An effect that occurs when several successive doses of a medication are administered or when absorption of a medication occurs faster than excretion or metabolism.

Question 33

Disinfectant

Answer 33

A chemical or physical agent designed to destroy pathogenic microorganisms on non-living objects such as surfaces or equipment.

Question 34

Distribution Stage

Answer 34

The stage when a drug moves through the bloodstream into the target organ.

Question 35

Efferent Nerves

Answer 35

The nerves that carry messages from the brain to the muscles and all other organs of the body.

Question 36

Elimination Stage

Answer 36

The stage when a drug, or its metabolites, are removed from the body.

Question 37

Elixir

Answer 37

A syrup with alcohol and flavoring added.

Question 38

Emulsion

Answer 38

A preparation of one liquid (usually an oil) distributed in small globules in another liquid (usually water).

Question 39

Endotracheal (ET) Route

Answer 39

Medication administered down the tube inserted in the trachea.

Question 40

Enteral Route

Answer 40

The introduction of medication to the body through the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 41

Fibrinolytic Agents

Answer 41

The only medications available to dissolve blood clots after they have already formed; the drugs promote the digestion of fibrin.

Question 42

Antineoplastic Medications

Answer 42

The medications designed to combat cancer.