CH 12 Principles of Pharmacology

These flashcards cover key concepts and important information related to the principles of pharmacology relevant for EMTs, focusing on medication administration, types, effects, and considerations.

What is pharmacology?

The study of medications, including their therapeutic uses and actions on the body.

What are the routes of medication administration?

Intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous injection, intranasal, oral, sublingual, intraosseous, transcutaneous, inhalation, and rectum.

What is the primary action of nitroglycerin?

To increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels.

How do you administer oral glucose?

By mouth, ensuring the patient is conscious and able to swallow.

What is the dose range for aspirin in chest pain?

160 to 325 mg, typically a chewable tablet.

What is the difference between a generic and trade name of a medication?

The generic name is the original chemical name of a medication, while the trade name is the brand name given by the manufacturer.

What are the 'rights' of medication administration?

Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right education, right to refuse, right response and evaluation, right documentation.

What is the importance of obtaining a medication history?

To determine what medications the patient is taking, which can help guide treatment and identify potential interactions.

What is pharmacodynamics?

The process by which a medication works on the body.

What is pharmacokinetics?

The processes that the body performs on a medication, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

What is hypoglycemia?

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

What type of medication is epinephrine?

A sympathomimetic medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure and eases breathing problems.

How should you document medication administration?

By including the name, dose, route, time of administration, and patient's response.

What are contraindications?

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it may cause harm.

What is the purpose of peer-assisted medication?

To administer medication to yourself or another partner during an emergency.

What should you do if a medication error occurs?

Provide appropriate patient care, notify medical control, and document the incident.

What is a metered-dose inhaler?

A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs.

What does 'intranasal' mean in medication administration?

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer into the nose.

What does it mean to assist a patient with medication administration?

To help the patient take their own medication, ensuring it is indicated and safe.

Why is monitoring vital signs important after administering medication?

To assess the patient's response to the medication and identify any adverse effects.

What is 'polypharmacy'?

The use of multiple medications by the same patient, leading to potential interactions and complications.

What is an example of an adverse effect of nitroglycerin?

Headache, burning under the tongue, or hypotension.

When is oral glucose indicated?

For patients experiencing hypoglycemia who are conscious and able to swallow.

Define 'agonist' in pharmacology.

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Define 'antagonist' in pharmacology.

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications or chemicals from attaching.

What should be verified before administering any medication?

The order from medical control, proper medication, dose, route, expiration date, and indications.

What medication is typically administered in cases of suspected anaphylaxis?

Epinephrine.

What are the risks associated with using nitroglycerin?

It can cause hypotension, especially in patients who have taken erectile dysfunction medications.

What does 'sublingual' mean?

A medication delivery route where the medication is placed under the tongue.

What is the main reason for using auto-injectors for medications?

To administer a precise, preset dose of medication easily.

What should you do if a patient refuses medication?

Respect their decision, inform them of risks, and document the refusal.

Why is it dangerous to administer nitroglycerin in hypotensive patients?

It may lower blood pressure further, risking cardiovascular collapse.

What is the role of medical control in medication administration?

To provide direct orders for medication administration and approve treatments.

What type of medications should be avoided in patients with asthma?

Medications that can worsen airway constriction, such as diphenhydramine.

What's an important consideration when administering oral medications to children?

Dosing is typically based on weight in kilograms.

What are the two main classifications of medication routes?

Enteral and parenteral routes.

What types of medications should be documented in a patient's PCR?

All medications administered, patient response, and any pertinent medical history.

What is the primary concern for elderly patients regarding medications?

Potential for drug interactions and confusion from multiple prescriptions.

What is the significance of the expiration date on medications?

Medications may lose potency or safety after the expiration date.

What is naloxone used for?

To reverse respiratory depression due to opioid overdose.

What precautions should you take when administering oxygen?

Avoid open flames, ensure proper delivery device is used, and monitor administration levels.

Why must EMTs understand the pharmacology of medications they administer?

To ensure safe and effective treatment while minimizing risks of adverse effects.

What are suspension medications?

Mixtures of ground particles evenly distributed throughout a liquid but do not dissolve.

What is the main challenge of using MDIs in patient treatment?

Patients must coordinate inhalation with the actuation of the inhaler.

Why is documentation important in medication administration?

It serves as a legal record and ensures continuity of care.

What are the most common medications carried by EMTs?

Oxygen, aspirin, oral glucose, and epinephrine.

What steps should an EMT take if they suspect a medication error?

Rapidly provide necessary care, alert medical control, and document the occurrence.

What is an important aspect of patient assessment regarding medications?

Identifying any recent changes in medication or dosages, especially in elderly patients.

What is a solution in the context of medications?

A liquid mixture of one or more substances that can be administered by various routes.