Chapter 7 Principles of Pharmacology Flashcards
Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route
inhalation
Into the bone; a medication delivery route
intraosseous (IO)
Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.
enteral medications
Injection into the tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route
subcutaneous (SC) injection
The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its “trade names”); the name is not capitalized.
generic name
A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing arteries to dilate; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication.
nitrogylcerin
Medication that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order.
prescription medications
A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without it.
oxygen
A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.
oral glucose
By mouth; a medication delivery route.
oral
An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.
intravenous (IV) injection
A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.
suspension
A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.
intranasal (IN)
A substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.
epinephrine
The process by which medication works on the body.
pharmacodynamics
A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand.
solution
When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.
patient-assisted medication
Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.
unintended effects
Actions that can be harmful to the patient.
untoward effects
Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.
sublingual (SL)
The process of binding or sticking to a surface.
adsorption
A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.
antagonist
An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.
intramuscular (IM) injection
A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs.
metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).
aspirin (acetylsalicyclic acid or ASA)
Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.
per rectum (PR)
The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.
indications
Through the skin; a medication delivery route.
transcutaneous (transdermal)
The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.
dose
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
When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner.
peer-assisted medication
Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route.
topical medications
Through the mouth; a medication delivery route.
per os (PO)
A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.
agonist
Medications that may be purchased by a patient without a prescription.
over-the-counter (OTC) medications
A chemical substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.
medication
A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in a capsule form or through plastic tubes.
gel
The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.
absorption
The study of the properties and effects of medications.
pharmacology
Any effects of medication other than the desired ones.
side effects
The effect that a medication is expected to have on the body.
intended effect
A condition characterized by a low blood glucose level
hypoglycemia
Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.
parenteral medications
A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.
mucosal atomizer device (MAD)
The therapeutic effect of medication on the body.
action
When the EMT directly administers the medication to the patient.
EMT-administered medication
An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. It is carried on the EMS unit.
activated charcoal
The simultaneous use of multiple medications as typically seen in elderly people.
polypharmacy
The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized.
trade name
Activated Charcoal: Administration
EMT-administered
Activated Charcoal: Indications
oral ingestion of toxic substances
Activated Charcoal: Contraindications
ingestion of caustics or hydrocarbons, decreased LOC, unstable airway
Activated Charcoal: Side Effects
Nausea & Vomiting, Dark tarry stool
Activated Charcoal: Action
Adsorbs toxic substances in the digestive tract
Activated Charcoal: Route
PO (by mouth)
Activated Charcoal: Adult dose
1 gram per kilogram (1g/kg)
Nitroglycerin: Administration
patient-assisted
Nitroglycerin: Action
dilates blood vessels
Nitroglycerin: Indications
chest pain due to myocardial infarction or angina