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129 Terms
ac
before meals
pc
after meals
bid
two times a day
tid
three times a day
qid
four times a day
stat
immediately
q2h
every 2 hours
q4h
every 4 hours
q6h
every 6 hours
prn
as needed
hs
at bedtime
PO
by mouth
IM
intramuscularly
PR
per rectum
subQ
subcutaneously
SL
sublingual
ID
intradermal
GT
gastrostomy tube
IV
intravenous
NGT
nasogastric tube
tab, tabs
tablet
cap, caps
capsule
gtt
drop
EC
enteric coated
CR
controlled release
susp
suspension
elix
elixir
sup, supp
suppository
SR
sustained release
ER/XR
extended release
tsp
teaspoon
oz
ounce
T, tbs, tbsp
tablespoon
What does pharmacokinetics mean?
How the body acts on the drug.
What are the four steps of pharmacokinetics?
Absorption → Distribution → Metabolism → Excretion.
What is absorption?
How a drug gets into the bloodstream from where it was given.
Where are most oral drugs absorbed?
Through the GI tract.
Why does IV medication skip absorption?
Because it goes directly into the bloodstream.
What is the first‑pass effect?
When the liver metabolizes some oral drugs before they reach circulation, reducing active drug.
Why might oral and IV doses differ?
Oral drugs lose some amount to the first‑pass effect.
What is distribution?
How a drug moves from the blood to tissues and organs.
Which tissues receive drugs faster?
Tissues with high blood flow.
What is protein binding?
Drug molecules attach to blood proteins (especially albumin).
Which form of a drug causes effects?
The unbound (free) drug.
What happens if a patient has low albumin?
More free drug → stronger effects or toxicity for highly protein‑bound drugs.
What is metabolism?
How the body chemically changes or breaks down a drug.
What is the main organ of drug metabolism?
The liver.
How does grapefruit affect drug metabolism?
It can slow breakdown, causing more drug to stay in the body → toxicity risk.
How does age affect metabolism in infants?
Infants have immature liver function → slower metabolism so they break down drugs more slowly.
How does age affect metabolism in older adults?
Older adults may metabolize drugs more slowly, so drugs stay in the body longer.
What is excretion?
The process of removing a drug from the body, mainly through the kidneys.
Which organ excretes many drugs?
The kidneys.
What happens if the kidneys don’t work well?
Drugs can build up in the body.
Why are BUN & creatinine important?
They are lab values used to assess kidney function and help determine safe medication dosing.
Why do kidney labs matter for medications?
Poor kidney function may require lower doses or longer time between doses.
What does “onset” mean?
How long it takes for a drug to start working.
Example of onset?
A pain medication begins relieving pain about 20 minutes after administration.
What is the “peak” of a drug?
The time when the drug reaches its strongest effect.
Why is peak important?
The nurse may need to monitor the patient more closely at peak effect.
What is “duration”?
How long the drug’s effect lasts.
Example of duration?
A pain medication may relieve pain for 4–6 hours.
What is a drug’s half‑life?
The time needed for the amount of drug in the body to decrease by 50%.
If a drug has a 4‑hour half-life and 100 mg is in the body, how much remains after 4 hours?
About 50 mg.
What does therapeutic index mean?
The difference between the effective dose and the toxic dose.
What is a narrow therapeutic index?
A small difference between effective and toxic levels, requiring close monitoring.
What is an example of a drug with a narrow therapeutic index?
Vancomycin — levels must be monitored to ensure effectiveness and prevent toxicity.
What is a routine order?
A medication given on a regular schedule until discontinued or expired.
What is an example of a routine order?
Lisinopril 10 mg PO daily.
What is a PRN order?
A medication given only when the patient needs it; the order must state the reason.
What is an example of a PRN order?
Acetaminophen 650 mg PO every 6 hr PRN for pain.
What is a single/one‑time order?
A medication given once at a specific time.
What is an example of a single/one‑time order?
Lorazepam 1 mg PO once before MRI.
What is a STAT order?
A medication that must be given immediately because it is urgently needed.
What is an example of a STAT order?
Epinephrine 0.3 mg IM STAT.
What is a standing order/protocol?
A pre-approved order allowing medication to be given when certain conditions are met.
What is an example of a standing order?
Acetaminophen 650 mg PO for temperature >101.2°F (38.4°C).
What does ADPIE stand for in the nursing process?
Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.
What does the nurse check during the Assessment step before giving medication?
Allergies, BP, HR, labs, pain level.
What is the purpose of the Diagnosis step in medication administration?
Identify the patient’s problem or need (e.g., acute pain).
What happens during the Planning step?
Decide expected outcomes and prepare for safe administration (e.g., pain decreases from 7/10 to 3/10).
What does the nurse do during Implementation?
Give the medication correctly and provide teaching (correct route, precautions).
When does documentation occur in medication administration?
After the medication is given.
What must be documented after giving a medication?
Medication, dose, route, time, and relevant site/response.
What is done during the Evaluation step?
Check whether the medication worked and assess for side effects.
What should be reassessed during evaluation of medication effectiveness?
Pain, BP, HR, sedation, nausea, etc.
What are high‑alert medications?
Medications that can cause serious harm if an error occurs.
Name common high‑alert medications.
Insulin, Heparin, Opioids, concentrated electrolytes (e.g., IV potassium chloride).
What safety step may be required for high‑alert medications?
Independent double‑check per facility policy.
What does time‑critical medication mean?
Timing is especially important for effectiveness and safety.
Can a medication be both high‑alert and time‑critical?
Yes.
What is medication reconciliation?
Comparing all medications (prescription, OTC, vitamins, supplements) to prevent interactions, duplications, and omissions.
When is medication reconciliation performed?
Admission, transfer, and discharge.
What is a side effect?
A known, usually predictable unwanted effect of a medication.
Example: Diphenhydramine → drowsiness.
What is an adverse effect?
An unwanted and potentially harmful reaction.
Example: Severe hypotension caused by a medication.
What is a toxic effect?
Harm caused by too much drug in the body.
Example: Excess acetaminophen → liver damage.
What is an allergic reaction?
An immune reaction to a medication.
Example: Rash, itching, hives.
What is anaphylaxis?
A severe, life‑threatening allergic reaction.
Example: Trouble breathing, throat/tongue swelling, hypotension.
What is a contraindication?
A reason a medication should NOT be used because it may cause harm. Example: A drug contraindicated in pregnancy.
What is the FIRST action when a medication error occurs?
Assess the patient for harm or change in condition.
After assessing the patient, who must you notify?
The provider or supervisor.