Pharmacology Flashcards
Learning the basics
What is the main goal in pharmacology?
Obtain the maximum benefit with the minimum harm to the patient
When is the best time to provide education to a client about a new drug?
Every time a medication is given
What should the nurse ask the client to ensure the right patient is receiving the right medication?
Name and date of birth
What essential laboratory parameter should the nurse evaluate before administering fast-acting insulin?
Blood sugar
What should the nurse anticipate when digoxin is given to a client with low serum potassium?
An increased risk of toxicity from the medication
What is a possible side effect of a rapid infusion of vancomycin?
Flushing
What should the nurse do when a client has been prescribed a drug that can be potentially unsafe for a client due to an allergy or contraindication?
Hold the medication and contact the health care provider immediately
What are PRN prescriptions?
Drugs to be given under specific circumstances, not on a schedule
Which laboratory finding will be evidence of the effective action of antibiotic therapy?
White Blood Cell Count
Where is the principal place of absorption for oral medications?
Small intestine
What vitamin reduces the effects of warfarin?
Vitamin K
What type of route of administration involves a depot medication?
Intramuscular
What is the name for the passage of drugs from the higher concentration space toward the lower concentration space that occurs in the kidneys during excretion?
Passive tubular reabsorption
Where in the nerve does an SSRI inhibit the reuptake?
Presynaptic nerve ending
What is a common way to dose pediatric medications?
A total daily dose, which is divided into more than one individual dose
The nurse checks the oral suspension of NoMoreCough for the safe therapeutic range and finds it is 20 mg/kg/day in four divided doses. What is the appropriate dose for a 40-kg child?
200 mg every 6 hours
A nurse hangs a 500-mL bag of IV fluid with a long length of tubing that connects directly to the client and has a drip chamber. What piece of equipment is this?
Primary IV line
The nurse hangs a bag of IV fluid and checks the drip chamber. How full should the drip chamber be?
Halfway full
What biological difference causes neonates and infants to be more sensitive to nervous system medications?
Underdeveloped blood-brain barrier
Compared with adults, what pharmacokinetic process is faster in children 1–12 years old?
Metabolism
What is the Beers Criteria?
A list of potentially inappropriate medications to be prescribed to the elderly
What laboratory test provides the best clinically accurate information regarding the renal function in elderly clients?
Creatinine clearance
Which antibiotic inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis?
Penicillin