Chapter 7

Question 0

action

Answer 0

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Question 1

absorption

Answer 1

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.

Question 2

activated charcoal

Answer 2

An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. Charcoal is ground into a very fine powder that provides the greatest possible surface area for binding medications that have been taken by mouth; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Question 3

adsorption

Answer 3

The process of binding or sticking to a surface.

Question 4

agonist

Answer 4

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Question 5

antagonist

Answer 5

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.

Question 6

aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)

Answer 6

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).

Question 7

contraindications

Answer 7

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate, for example, a condition in which a medication should not be given because it would not help or may actually harm a patient.

Question 8

dose

Answer 8

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.

Question 9

EMT-administered medication

Answer 9

When the EMT directly administers the medication to the patient.

Question 10

enteral medications

Answer 10

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Question 11

epinephrine

Answer 11

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication.

Question 12

gel

Answer 12

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.

Question 13

generic name

Answer 13

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its “trade names”); the name is not capitalized.

Question 14

hypoglycemia

Answer 14

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Question 15

indications

Answer 15

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Question 16

inhalation

Answer 16

Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route.

Question 17

intended effect

Answer 17

The effect that a medication is expected to have on the body.

Question 18

intramuscular (IM) injection

Answer 18

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Question 19

intranasal

Answer 19

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the nare.

Question 20

intraossious (IO)

Answer 20

Into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Question 21

intravenous (IV) injection

Answer 21

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Question 22

medication

Answer 22

A chemical substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.

Question 23

metered-dose inhaler (MDI)

Answer 23

A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled.

Question 24

mucosal atomizer device (MAD)

Answer 24

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and pushes it into a nostril.

Question 25

nitroglycerin

Answer 25

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing arteries to dilate; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication.

Question 26

oral

Answer 26

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Question 27

oral glucose

Answer 27

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Question 28

over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Answer 28

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.

Question 29

oxygen

Answer 29

A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without oxygen.

Question 30

parenteral medications

Answer 30

Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.

Question 31

patient-assisted medication

Answer 31

When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.

Question 32

peer-assisted medication

Answer 32

When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner.

Question 33

per os (PO)

Answer 33

Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral.

Question 34

per rectum (PR)

Answer 34

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Question 35

pharmacodynamics

Answer 35

The process by which a medication works on the body.

Question 36

pharmacology

Answer 36

The study of the properties and effects of medications.

Question 37

polypharmacy

Answer 37

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.

Question 38

prescription medications

Answer 38

Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order.

Question 39

side effects

Answer 39

Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones.

Question 40

solution

Answer 40

A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand.

Question 41

subcutaneous (SC) injection

Answer 41

Injection into the tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.

Question 42

sublingual (SL)

Answer 42

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Question 43

suspension

Answer 43

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

Question 44

topical medications

Answer 44

Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route.

Question 45

trade name

Answer 45

The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.

Question 46

transcutaneous (transdermal)

Answer 46

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Question 47

unintended effect

Answer 47

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.

Question 48

untoward effects

Answer 48

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.