Medications

Question 0

Alternative remedies

Answer 0

Herbal or other “natural” products that do not require a physician’s prescription; not considered part of conventional medicine

Question 1

Absorption

Answer 1

The process by which substances pass through the intestinal wall into the blood

Question 2

Anaphylaxis

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Antigen

Answer 3

A substance, usually a protein, that the body recognizes as foreign and that can evoke an immune response

Question 4

Blister pack

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Distribution

Answer 5

The path the drug takes from the bloodstream to the body tissues of the intended site of action

Question 6

Dosette

Answer 6

Container that stores medications in separate compartments arranged by day or hour. Also known as pillbox

Question 7

Drug antanogism

Answer 7

An unusually weak drug effect that occurs when two or more drugs are taken at the same time

Question 8

Drug interaction

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Drug synergism

Answer 9

An unusually strong drug effect that occurs when taking two or more drugs at the same time

Question 10

Drug tolerance

Answer 10

The state at which the body gets accustomed to a substance so needs larger and larger amounts of it to experience the same effect

Question 11

Medication

Answer 11

A drug or other substance used to prevent or treat disease or illness

Question 12

Generic name for medication

Answer 12

The name given to a drug approved by Health Canada. It is also known as the “official name” of a drug

Question 13

Metered dose inhaler

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Over the counter medication

Answer 14

A medication that can be bought without a physician’s prescription

Question 15

Polypharmacy

Answer 15

The use of more medications by a client than is medically required

Question 16

Prescription

Answer 16

A medication that is prescribed by a physician and dispensed by a pharmacist

Question 17

Route

Answer 17

How a medication enters and is absorbed by the body

Question 18

Side effect

Answer 18

A response to a medication that occurs in addition to the intended or main response

Question 19

Therapeutic effects

Answer 19

Causing a desired, positive effect in the body

Question 20

Trade name of a drug

Answer 20

The name given to a drug by the manufacturer. Also known as proprietary name

Question 21

PSW role

Answer 21

• 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.

Question 22

Factors affection medication

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

Drug allergy

Answer 23

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)

Question 24

Anaphylaxis signs n symptoms

Answer 24

• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular pulse
• Respiratory congestion
• Swelling of the larynx (laryngeal edema)
• Hoarseness
• Dyspnea

Question 25

9 rights

Answer 25

1. Right medication. Read the container label. Check against the medication administration record (MAR) and care plan.
2. Right person. Read the container label. Be sure the medication is for the client. Identify the client, according to employer policies.
3. Right dose. Be sure you know how much medication the client should be taking.
4. Right route. Be sure you know the correct route and form of the medication.
5. Right time. Bring medication to the client at the correct time, or remind the client to take medications.
6. Right day. Ensure the medication is meant for that specific day.
7. Right reason. The client should be aware of why that medication is to be taken.
8. Right expiry date. Always check that the medication has not expired.
9. Right documentation. Be sure to document the medication correctly, according to your agency policy.

Question 26

Oral

Answer 26

taken by mouth and swallowed. Cough syrup is an example

Question 27

Sublingual

Answer 27

placed under the tongue. These are pills, tablets, or sprays that are dissolved or absorbed into the body

Question 28

Topical

Answer 28

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)

Question 29

Inhalant

Answer 29

breathed in through the mouth or nose. Medication must be in a gas or aerosol form—for example, oxygen and medications delivered by MDIs

Question 30

Parenteral

Answer 30

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!

Question 31

Assist

Answer 31

to help

Question 32

Administer

Answer 32

To give

Question 33

Methods to giving medication

Answer 33

Injection
Oral
Rectal
Topically
Sublingual

Question 34

What to report?

Answer 34

missing meds
wrong meds
too much or too little
refusal to take meds