chapter 12 - pharmacology Flashcards
The process by which a medication works in the body
pharmacodynamics
A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer this medication
nitroglycerin
A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris
intranasal
Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route
topical medications
A medication that causes stimulation of receptors
agonist
The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body
elimination
Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm
medication error
The use of multiple medications on a regular basis
polypharmacy
Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient
EMT-administered medication
Through the rectum; a medication delivery route
per rectum
A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs
metered-dose inhaler
The processes that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated
pharmacokinetics
Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order
prescription medications
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream
absorption
When the EMT administers medication to himself or herself or to a partner
peer-assisted medication
A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications
antagonist
A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into the nostril
mucosal atomizer device
By mouth; a medication delivery route
oral
An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route
intraosseous injection
A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot
anticoagulant
The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects
onset of action
Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription
over-the-counter medication
Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route
subcutaneous injection
When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication
patient-assisted medication
A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without it
oxygen
The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route
inhalation
Medications that treat or reduce a fever
antipyretics
The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved
peak
Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral
per os
Any unwanted clinical results of a medication
adverse effects
A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree
epinephrine
A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together
antiplatelet
The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized
trade name
A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand
solution
The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body
action
A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve
suspension
An injection into the muscle; a medication delivery route
intramuscular injection
Actions that can be harmful to the patient
untoward effects
A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping)
aspirin
The therapeutic uses for a special medication
indications
An abnormally low blood glucose level
hypoglycemia
A medication used to treat infections caused by a bacterium
antibiotic
A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus
antifungal
A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes
gel
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system
enteral medications
Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient
contraindications
Under the tongue; a medication delivery route
sublingual
The original chemical name of a medication; the name is not capitalized
generic name
A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain
medication
The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age
dose
The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body
therapeutic effect
The study of the properties and effects of medications
pharmacology
Through the skin; a medication delivery route
transcutaneous
Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes
parenteral medications
The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last
duration
An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route
intravenous injection
A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit
oral glucose
Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient
unintended effects
