Chapter 7: Principles of Pharmacology Flashcards
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream
absorption
The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body
action
An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. it 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.
activated charcoal
the process of binding or sticking to a surface
adsorbtion
a medication that causes stimulation of receptors
agonist
A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications
antagonist
A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping)
aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)
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
contraindications
The amount of medication given on a daily basis of the patient’s size and age
dose
When the EMT directly administers the medication to the patient
EMT-administered medication
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system
enteral medications
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
epinephrine
A semiliquid substance that is admistered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes
gel
The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its “trade names”); the name is not capitalized
generic name
An abnormally low blood glucose level
hypoglycemia
The therapeutic uses for a specific medication
indications
Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route
inhalation
The effect that a medication is expected to have on the body
intended effect
An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route
intramuscular (IM) injection
A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the nare
intranasal (IN)
Into the bone; a medication delivery route
intraosseous (IO)
An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route
intravenous (IV) injection
A chemical substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain
medication
A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled
metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and pushes it into a nostril
mucosal atomizer device (MAD)
A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing arteries to dilate; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication
nitroglycerin
by mouth; a medication delivery route
oral
a simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit
oral glucose
Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription
over-the-counter (OTC) medications
A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without it
oxygen
Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes
parenteral medications
When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication
patient-assisted medication
When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner
peer-assisted medication
Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral
per os (PO)
Through the rectum; a medication delivery route
per rectum (PR)
the process by which a medication works on the body
pharmacodynamics
The study of the properties and effects of medications
pharmacology
The use of multiple medications on a regular basis
polypharmacy
Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order
prescription medications
Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones
side effects
A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand
solution
Injection into the tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route
subcutaneous (SC) injection
Under the tongue; a medication delivery route
sublingual (SL)
A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve
suspension
Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route
topical medications
The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.
trade name
through the skin; a medication delivery route
transcutaneous (transdermal)
Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient
unintended effect
Actions that can be harmful to the patient
untoward effects
