Medications Flashcards
Alternative remedies
Herbal or other “natural” products that do not require a physician’s prescription; not considered part of conventional medicine
Absorption
The process by which substances pass through the intestinal wall into the blood
Anaphylaxis
A severe allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and causes a life-threatening response involving the whole body. This reaction can lead to difficulty breathing and shock and can ultimately lead to death
Antigen
A substance, usually a protein, that the body recognizes as foreign and that can evoke an immune response
Blister pack
A transparent moulded piece of plastic with multiple compartments, sealed to a sheet of cardboard with a foil backing, used to package individual-dose medications. Also known as bubble pack
Distribution
The path the drug takes from the bloodstream to the body tissues of the intended site of action
Dosette
Container that stores medications in separate compartments arranged by day or hour. Also known as pillbox
Drug antanogism
An unusually weak drug effect that occurs when two or more drugs are taken at the same time
Drug interaction
The combined action of a medication and another substance (such as another drug, alcohol, or food) has on the body. This combined action may cause the medication’s effects to be increased (drug synergism) or decreased (drug antagonism) or may even produce a new effect that neither would produce if taken alone
Drug synergism
An unusually strong drug effect that occurs when taking two or more drugs at the same time
Drug tolerance
The state at which the body gets accustomed to a substance so needs larger and larger amounts of it to experience the same effect
Medication
A drug or other substance used to prevent or treat disease or illness
Generic name for medication
The name given to a drug approved by Health Canada. It is also known as the “official name” of a drug
Metered dose inhaler
A pressurized canister of medication, surrounded by a plastic case that has a mouthpiece. Pressing the MDI releases a single dose of medication as a mist
Over the counter medication
A medication that can be bought without a physician’s prescription
Polypharmacy
The use of more medications by a client than is medically required
Prescription
A medication that is prescribed by a physician and dispensed by a pharmacist
Route
How a medication enters and is absorbed by the body
Side effect
A response to a medication that occurs in addition to the intended or main response
Therapeutic effects
Causing a desired, positive effect in the body
Trade name of a drug
The name given to a drug by the manufacturer. Also known as proprietary name
PSW role
- Bringing medication containers to the client
- Bringing pre-poured medications, prefilled syringes, blister packs, or dosettes (pillboxes) to the client
- Reading the prescription label to the client
- Loosening or removing container lids or opening blister packs
- Checking the dosage against the medication label
- Providing water or other fluids, as needed
- Supervising the client as the client places the medication into the hand, measuring spoon, or cup
- Steadying the client’s hand while the client places medications or administers eye drops, nasal sprays, and so on.
Factors affection medication
Drugs should be stored in a dry, safe place so that they do not undergo any chemical change. Most drugs should never be stored in direct sunlight, and some drugs need to be stored in the refrigerator for them to remain chemically stable. You must read the label on the drug container and follow the instructions carefully.
The same drug can affect two people very differently because one person’s body cells differ from those of another person, according to age, body size, gender, genetic factors, emotional state, and physical condition. Table 40–3 briefly describes how each of these factors affect drug actions.
Drug allergy
A drug allergy is an abnormal response to a drug caused by the body fighting or attacking the drug (which is then called an antigen) by releasing chemicals called antibodies. Antibodies attack the antigen and can cause symptoms ranging from mild (skin rashes, swelling, puffiness, nasal drainage, itchy eyes) to moderate (fever, wheezing, extreme weakness, nausea, and vomiting) to severe (anaphylactic shock, severe low blood pressure, cardiac arrest)
Anaphylaxis signs n symptoms
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Low blood pressure
- Irregular pulse
- Respiratory congestion
- Swelling of the larynx (laryngeal edema)
- Hoarseness
- Dyspnea
9 rights
- Right medication. Read the container label. Check against the medication administration record (MAR) and care plan.
- Right person. Read the container label. Be sure the medication is for the client. Identify the client, according to employer policies.
- Right dose. Be sure you know how much medication the client should be taking.
- Right route. Be sure you know the correct route and form of the medication.
- Right time. Bring medication to the client at the correct time, or remind the client to take medications.
- Right day. Ensure the medication is meant for that specific day.
- Right reason. The client should be aware of why that medication is to be taken.
- Right expiry date. Always check that the medication has not expired.
- Right documentation. Be sure to document the medication correctly, according to your agency policy.
Oral
taken by mouth and swallowed. Cough syrup is an example
Sublingual
placed under the tongue. These are pills, tablets, or sprays that are dissolved or absorbed into the body
Topical
applied to the skin or mucous membranes. Some topical medications are contained within the area where they are applied—for example, ointments, eye drops, and nose drops. Some are absorbed into the bloodstream and travel throughout the body—for example, transdermal discs or patches. Suppositories and medicated enemas are also topical medications because they are applied to the mucous membranes (in the rectum or vagina)
Inhalant
breathed in through the mouth or nose. Medication must be in a gas or aerosol form—for example, oxygen and medications delivered by MDIs
Parenteral
injected by a needle into the muscle (intramuscular), a vein (intravenous), or under the skin (subcutaneous). Insulin and intravenous (IV) drips are examples.
In some provinces or territories, in some special circumstances, you may be asked by your supervisor to perform a controlled act such as giving an insulin injection. Some provinces and territories allow support workers to administer some forms of medications under certain conditions. Never assume this responsibility, as this is beyond your usual scope of practice!
Assist
to help
Administer
To give
Methods to giving medication
Injection Oral Rectal Topically Sublingual
What to report?
missing meds
wrong meds
too much or too little
refusal to take meds
