Medication administration Flashcards

1
Q

What is a medication?

A

is any substance used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Medications can be prescription drugs or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.

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2
Q

What is a prescription?

A

is a written or electronic order from a licensed healthcare provider for a specific medication, including dosage, route, and frequency of administration.

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3
Q

What is a generic name?

A

is the official, scientific name of a drug, determined by regulatory agencies. It remains constant worldwide and is not brand-specific.

Example: Ibuprofen

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4
Q

What is a brand name?

A

(trade name) is the commercial name given to a drug by a pharmaceutical company. It is patented and may differ by manufacturer.

Example: Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen)

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5
Q

What is pharmacology?

A

The study of drugs, their sources, effects, mechanisms of action, interactions, and how the body processes them.

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6
Q

What is pharmacy?

A

The profession and practice of preparing, dispensing, and advising on medications.

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7
Q

What is a pharmacist?

A

A licensed healthcare professional responsible for dispensing medications, providing patient counseling, and ensuring safe drug use.

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8
Q

What is an aerosol/foam drug preparation?

A

A drug dispensed as a spray or foam, often for inhalation or topical use.

Example: Asthma inhalers, antifungal medications.

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9
Q

What is an aqueous solution?

A

A liquid preparation where the drug is completely dissolved in water.

Example: Normal saline (0.9% NaCl).

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10
Q

What is an aqueous suspension?

A

A liquid preparation where solid drug particles are suspended but not dissolved. Requires shaking before use.

Example: Amoxicillin for children.

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11
Q

What is a caplet?

A

A capsule-shaped tablet designed for easier swallowing.

Example: Tylenol Extra Strength.

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12
Q

What is a capsule?

A

A gelatin shell containing medication in liquid, powder, or granule form.

Example: Omeprazole for acid reflux.

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13
Q

What is a cream?

A

A semi-solid, water-based preparation for topical use.

Example: Hydrocortisone for rashes.

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14
Q

What is an elixir?

A

A sweetened liquid medication containing alcohol to dissolve active ingredients.

Example: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl).

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15
Q

What is an extract?

A

A highly concentrated drug preparation from plant or animal sources.

Example: Cannabis extract.

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16
Q

What is a gel or jelly?

A

A semi-solid preparation used for topical application that dries quickly.

Example: Lidocaine gel for numbing.

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17
Q

What is a liniment?

A

A medicated liquid for external application, usually rubbed into the skin.

Example: Menthol liniment for muscle pain.

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18
Q

What are lozenges?

A

Hard, slow-dissolving tablets that release medication in the mouth/throat.

Example: Strepsils for sore throat relief.

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19
Q

What is an ointment?

A

A greasy, oil-based medication for topical use.

Example: Neosporin antibiotic ointment.

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20
Q

What is a pill?

A

An older term for solid oral medication, now mostly replaced by tablets and capsules.

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21
Q

What is a powder?

A

Finely ground medication for mixing or topical application.

Example: Antifungal for athlete’s foot.

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22
Q

What is a suppository?

A

A solid medication inserted into the rectum, vagina, or urethra, where it dissolves.

Example: Glycerin suppositories for constipation.

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23
Q

What is a syrup?

A

A sweetened, water-based liquid drug preparation.

Example: Cough syrup.

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24
Q

What is a tablet?

A

A compressed solid drug form for oral administration.

Example: Aspirin.

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25
What is a tincture?
A medicinal extract dissolved in alcohol. Example: Iodine.
26
What is a transdermal patch?
A medicated adhesive patch that delivers drugs through the skin over time. Example: Nicotine patch for smoking cessation.
27
What are palliative effects of drugs?
Relieves symptoms but does not cure (e.g., morphine for pain relief).
28
What are curative effects of drugs?
Treats and eliminates disease (e.g., antibiotics).
29
What are supportive effects of drugs?
Maintains body function while the body heals (e.g., IV fluids).
30
What are substitute effects of drugs?
Replaces missing substances (e.g., insulin for diabetes).
31
What are chemotherapeutic effects of drugs?
Kills or inhibits harmful cells (e.g., chemotherapy).
32
What are restorative effects of drugs?
Restores health (e.g., vitamins).
33
What are side effects?
Mild, unintended drug effects (e.g., drowsiness from antihistamines).
34
What are adverse effects?
Harmful reactions (e.g., liver damage from excessive acetaminophen).
35
What is drug toxicity?
Overdose or buildup of a drug causing harm.
36
What is a drug allergy?
Immune reaction to a drug (e.g., rash from penicillin).
37
What is an anaphylactic reaction?
Severe, life-threatening allergic reaction causing airway swelling.
38
What is drug tolerance?
Decreased response over time, requiring higher doses.
39
What is a cumulative effect?
Drug accumulation in the body leading to stronger effects.
40
What are idiosyncratic effects?
Unusual drug reactions unique to an individual.
41
What is a drug interaction?
When one drug affects another’s action.
42
What is a synergistic effect?
Two drugs enhance each other’s effects (e.g., alcohol and sedatives).
43
What is drug abuse?
Non-medical, harmful use of drugs.
44
What is drug dependence?
Physiological: Body needs the drug to function normally. Psychological: Emotional reliance on the drug.
45
What is drug habituation?
Frequent use but without addiction.
46
What are illicit drugs?
Illegal substances used recreationally.
47
What is half-life in pharmacology?
Time required for half the drug to leave the body.
48
What is onset of action?
Time taken for the drug to start working.
49
What is peak plasma level?
Highest concentration of drug in blood.
50
What is plateau in pharmacology?
Steady drug level after repeated doses.
51
What is a stat order?
A single, immediate dose of medication that must be given right away. Example: Epinephrine stat for anaphylaxis.
52
What is a single order?
A one-time prescribed medication at a specific time. Example: Lorazepam 2 mg PO at 10 PM before surgery.
53
What is a standing order?
A pre-written order for specific conditions that is given routinely or as needed. Example: Acetaminophen 500 mg PO every 6 hours for fever above 38°C.
54
What is a PRN order?
A medication given when required, based on the patient’s symptoms. Example: Morphine 5 mg IV every 4 hours PRN for pain.
55
What are the essential parts of a drug order?
A valid medication order must include: Patient’s Full Name, Date and Time of Order, Drug Name (Generic or Brand), Dosage, Route of Administration, Frequency, Signature of Prescriber.
56
What are the parts of a prescription?
1. Prescriber’s Information 2. Patient’s Information 3. Drug Name and Strength 4. Dosage Form 5. Directions for Use 6. Quantity 7. Refills (if any) 8. Signature of Prescriber.
57
What are key considerations for safe medication use?
1. Evaluating Drug Dependence 2. Coordination with Eating Habits 3. Identifying Self-Administration Challenges 4. Socioeconomic Considerations.
58
What are medication administration errors?
Errors can occur at multiple steps: 1. Prescription Errors 2. Transcription/Interpretation Errors 3. Preparation Errors 4. Administration Errors.
59
What are the prevention strategies for medication errors?
Follow the '5 Rights' of Medication Administration: Right Patient, Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Time.
60
What is the process of administering medications?
1. Identify the Client 2. Inform the Client 3. Administer the Drug 4. Provide Adjunctive Interventions 5. Record the Drug Administered 6. Evaluate the Client’s Response.
61
What is oral medication?
Given by mouth, absorbed in the GI tract. Example: Aspirin tablets.
62
What is liquid medication?
Used for patients who cannot swallow pills. Example: Acetaminophen syrup.
63
What is an oral syringe?
Used to measure and administer liquid medications accurately.
64
What is sublingual medication?
Under the tongue, absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Example: Nitroglycerin for chest pain.
65
What is buccal medication?
Placed between the cheek and gum for absorption. Example: Fentanyl buccal tablets for pain.
66
What is parenteral medication?
Bypassing the digestive system, given via needle and syringe. Types include Intramuscular (IM), Intravenous (IV), and Subcutaneous (SC).
67
What is topical medication?
Applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. Example: Hydrocortisone cream.
68
What is nasogastric medication?
Administered through a feeding tube for patients unable to swallow.
69
What is enteral medication?
Given via gastrointestinal routes, including NG tubes or oral medications.
70
What are final notes for medication administration?
Always double-check orders, especially high-risk drugs. Use electronic medication records when available to reduce errors. Educate patients about their medications, including side effects and proper use.