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