General Pharmacology Flashcards
Pharmacology
The study of Drugs, their sources, their characteristics, and their effects
Asprin
medication used to reduce the clotting ability of blood to prevent and treat clots associated with myocardial infraction
When to administer Asprin
patients with chest pain of a suspected cardiac origin. In the event that a heart attack is occurring, asprin reduces the bloods ability to clot and works to prevent the clot formation that causes damage tot he heart.
When not to administer Asprin
Patient has allergies and/or has gastrointestinal bleeding that can be made worse by the administration of Asprin. Follow protocol
Oral Glucose
Form of glucose given by mouth to great an awake patient (able to swallow) with an altered status and history of diabetes
Oxygen
gas commonly found in the atmosphere pure oxygen is used as a drug to treat any patient whose medical or traumatic condition may cause to be hypoxic.
Active Charcoal
powder prepared from charred wood, usually premixed with water to form a slurry. used to treat a poisoning or overdose when a substance is swallowed and is in the patient’s digestive tract. It will absorb some poisons (binds them to the surfaces of the charcoal) and help prevent them from being absorbed in the body
Inhaler
spray device with a mouth piece that contains an aerosol form of a medication that a patient can spray into their airway
Side effects of using an inhaler
increased heart rate,jitteriness
Nitroglycerin
drug that helps dilate the coronary vessels that supply the heart muscle with blood
When not to administer Nitro
if patient has taken anything to treat erectile dysfunction (viagra or similar medications) because of the possibility of a serious negative interaction with these drugs
Epinephrine
drug that helps to constrict the blood vessels and relax passages of the airway. it may be used to counter a severe allergic reaction
Effects of Epinephrine
Increased heart rate and blood pressure commonly occur after its administration
Asthma Pathophysiology
small airways become reactive and constrict resulting in air trapping
TRIGGERS:
exercise, allergens, respiratory viruses, and even asprin and non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Asthma Action of Medication
Albuterol is most commonly used in an inhaler and in nebulizers.
Albuterol act on the (beta2) receptors of the sympathetic nervous system, which results in dilation of the airways
Albuterol acts primarily on the specific receptors meaning their will be limited cardiac effects
Anaphylaxis Pathophysiology
life-threatening response of the immune system. affects major systems such as the circulatory and respiratory systems and if untreated may cause death
begins when the body overreaction to an antigen. Common causes are bee stings, peanut butter, and medication allergies.
The allergic reaction causes the body to release a variety of substances, including histamine, which cause vasodilation and shock as well as bronchoconstriction. these substances also cause vascular permeability, fluid to enter and swell airways, lips, tongue, and throat.
Anaphylaxis Action of Medication
Epinephrine auto-injector provides immediate and significant benefit to those suffering from anaphylaxis.
Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction by acting on the alpha receptors of the sympathetic nervous system reducing vascular permeability and edema found in the face and airway.
Ephinephrine also causes bronchodilation.
Indications
specific signs or circumstances under which it is appropriate to administer a drug to a patient
Contraindications
specific signs or circumstances under which it is not appropriate and may be harmful, to administer a drug to a patient
Side Effects
any action of a drug other than the desired action
Untoward effect
an effect of a medication in addition to its desired effect that may be potentially harmful to the patient
parenteral
referring to a route of medication administration that does not use the gastrointestinal tract, such as an intravenous medication
Enteral
referring to a route of medication administered that uses the gastrointestinal tract, such as swallowing pills
The Five Rights
Do I have the right patient?
Is it the right time to administer this medication?
Is this the right medication?
Is this the right dose?
Am I giving this medication by the right route of administration?
Pharmacodynamics
study of the effects of medications on the body
After administration of Medication
Must reassess patient immediately and frequently repeated.
clearly document the medication administered.
Include” name of medication, dosage, route, time of administration, and effects noted.
Analgesics
Drugs prescribed for Pain Relief
Antidysrhythmics
Drugs Prescribed for Heart Rhythm Disorders
Anticonvulsants
Drugs for prevention and control of seizures
Antihypertensives
Drugs prescribed to reduce high blood pressure
Bronchodilators
Drugs that relax the smooth muscle of the bronchial tubes. these medications provide relief of bronchial asthma and allergies affecting the respiratory system
Antidiabetic agents
Drugs prescribed to diabetic patients to control hyperblycimia
Antidepressant agents
drugs prescribed to help regulate the emotional activity of the patient to minimize the peaks and valleys in their psychological and emotional state
EMTs steps for helping administer an IV
inspect IV for expiration date and see that fluid is clear and free of particles
select proper administration set
Connect extension set to the administration set
close regulator
insert spiked end of the tubing into fluid bad with quick twist
Hold bag higher than drip chamber
Open flow regulator allowing fluid to flush out air
turn off flow
Maintaining an IV
Check and Correct:
constriction band used to raise vein for insertion of needle, flow regulator may be closed, clamp may be closed on tubing, tubing may kink, tubing may get caught under patient or the back board
