Principles of Pharmacology

Question 1

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream.

Answer 1

Absorption

Question 2

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Answer 2

Action

Question 3

An oral medication that minds and absorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. Charcoal is ground into a very fine powder that provides the greatest possible surface area for binding medications that have been taken by mouth; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Answer 3

Activated Charcoal

Question 4

The process of binding or sticking to a surface.

Answer 4

Adsorption

Question 5

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Answer 5

Agonist

Question 6

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.

Answer 6

Antagonist

Question 7

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping).

Answer 7

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)

Question 8

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient

Answer 8

Contraindications

Question 9

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age.

Answer 9

Dose

Question 10

Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.

Answer 10

EMT-administered medication

Question 11

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Answer 11

Enteral Medications

Question 12

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree.

Answer 12

Epinephrine

Question 13

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes.

Answer 13

Gel

Question 14

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its proprietary or “trade” names); the name is not capitalized.

Answer 14

Generic Name

Question 15

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Answer 15

Indications

Question 16

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Answer 16

Hypoglycemia

Question 17

Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route.

Answer 17

Inhalation

Question 18

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris.

Answer 18

Intranasal (IN)

Question 18

An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Answer 18

Intraosseous (IO) Injection

Question 19

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route

Answer 19

Intramuscular (IM) Injection

Question 20

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Answer 20

Intravenous (IV) Injection

Question 21

A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain.

Answer 21

Medication

Question 22

Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.

Answer 22

Medication Error

Question 23

A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled.

Answer 23

Metered-Dose Inhaler (MDI)

Question 24

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into a nostril.

Answer 24

Mucosal Atomizer Device (MAD)

Question 25

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer the medication.

Answer 25

Nitroglycerin

Question 26

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient with-out a prescription.

Answer 26

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

Question 26

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Answer 26

Oral Glucose

Question 27

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Answer 27

Oral

Answer 28

Oxygen

Question 29

Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes.

Answer 29

Parenteral Medications

Question 30

When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication.

Answer 30

Patient-Assisted Medication

Question 31

When the EMT administers medication to him or herself or to a partner

Answer 31

Peer-Assisted Medication

Question 32

Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral.

Answer 32

Per os (PO)

Question 33

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Answer 33

Per Rectum (PR)

Question 33

Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order.

Answer 33

Prescription Medications

Question 33

The process by which a medication works on the body.

Answer 33

Pharmacodynamics

Question 34

The study of properties and effects of medications.

Answer 34

Pharmacology

Question 35

A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand

Answer 35

Solution

Question 36

Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones

Answer 36

Side Effects

Question 36

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

Answer 36

Suspension

Question 37

Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route.

Answer 37

Subcutaneous (SC) Injection

Question 37

The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body.

Answer 37

Therapeutic Effect

Question 37

Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route

Answer 37

Topical Medications

Question 38

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Answer 38

Sublingual (SL)

Question 39

The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized

Answer 39

Trade Name

Question 40

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Answer 40

Transcutaneous (Transdermal)

Question 41

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.

Answer 41

Unintended Effects

Question 42

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.

Answer 42

Untoward Effects