Definitions/Vocabulary

Question 1

how the drug moves into the bloodstream

Answer 1

absorption

Question 2

small glass vial sealed to keep contents sterile: used for subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous medications

Answer 2

Ampoule (ampule)

Question 3

date on which specific categories of medications must be discontinued unless renewed by the Physician

Answer 3

automatic stop date

Question 4

concentrated dose of medication or fluid, frequently given intravenously

Answer 4

Bolus / IV push (IVP)

Question 5

gelantinous, single dose container in which a drug is enclosed to prevent the patient from tasting the drug

Answer 5

capsule

Question 6

large catheter that provides access to the veins and or to the heart to measure pressures

Answer 6

Central Line Catheter, or Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

Question 7

conditions under which the drug should not be given

Answer 7

contraindications

Question 8

a drug which requires a written prescription and is reportable due to the danger of addiction or abuse

Answer 8

controlled substance

Question 9

amount of medication that is prescribed by a Physician for administration

Answer 9

dosage

Question 10

a method used by the Physician to notify the nursing staff that a new set of orders has been written

Answer 10

flagging

Question 11

durgs that reduce pain or induce sleep, can include sedatives, analgesics and anesthetics

Answer 11

Hypnotics

Question 12

a list of medical conditions or diseases which the drug is intended for

Answer 12

indications

Question 13

a list of drugs or foods which may later alter the drug’s effect

Answer 13

interactions

Question 14

injection of a medication into a muscle

Answer 14

intramuscular (IM) injection

Question 15

method of giving concentrated doses of medication directly into the vein

Answer 15

IV Push

Question 16

list of medications that each individual patient is currently taking, it is used by the nurse to administer the medications

Answer 16

Medication Administration Record (MAR)

Question 17

physical and chemical changes a drug undergoes wehn administered

Answer 17

metabolism

Question 18

controlled drug that relieves pain or produces sleep

Answer 18

narcotic

Question 19

drugs to which the public has direct access for purchase

Answer 19

over the counter (OTC)

Question 20

methods other than oral for giving fluids or medications

Answer 20

parenteral routes

Question 21

medications administered intravenoulsy by means of a special infusion pump controlled by the patient

Answer 21

Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA)

Question 22

a drug which requires a written prescription

Answer 22

prescription drug

Question 23

does not require a prescription but is kept behind the Pharmacist’s counter

Answer 23

restricted drug

Question 24

a doctor’s order that remains in effect and is executed as ordered until the doctor discontinues or changes it

Answer 24

routine order

Question 25

possible unpleasant or even dangerous reactions

Answer 25

side effects/adverse reactions

Question 26

a process of recording data on the doctor’s order sheet to indicate the completion of transcription on a set of doctor’s orders

Answer 26

signing off

Question 27

a doctor’s order that is to be executed immediatley, then automatically discontinues

Answer 27

STAT order

Question 28

the potency of the drug

Answer 28

strength

Question 29

injection of a small amount of a mediation under the skin into fatty or connective tissue

Answer 29

subcutaneous injection

Question 30

medication substance mixed in a solid base that melts when placed in a body opening, suppositories are commonly used in the rectum, vagina or urethra

Answer 30

suppository

Question 31

fine-particle drug suspended in liquid

Answer 31

suspension

Question 32

notations written in ink on the doctor’s sheet to indicate completion of a step fo the transcription process

Answer 32

symbols

Question 33

how the drug affects wide spread areas of the body

Answer 33

systemic effect

Question 34

solid dosage of a drug in a disk form

Answer 34

tablet

Question 35

direct application of a medication to the skin, eye, ear or other parts of the body

Answer 35

topical

Question 36

method used to administer calories, proteins, vitamins and other nutrients into the bloodstream of a patient who is unable to eat

Answer 36

Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)

Question 37

a certain supply of regularly used medications which are stored on the Unit, includes such drugs as Aspirin, acetaminophen, antacids, antidiarrheals, laxatives

Answer 37

ward stock

Question 38

a list of types of patients who warrant closer observation when using the drug due to higher possibility of side effects

Answer 38

warnings/precautions