Medication Administration Fundamentals - Fall 2025

These flashcards cover vocabulary and concepts related to medication administration, including drug classifications, pharmacokinetics, medication safety, and the nursing process.

Chemical name

The molecular make-up of a medication, for example, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol.

Generic name

The official name of a medication; for example, Acetaminophen.

Trade name

The brand name of a medication; for example, Tylenol.

FDA approved tall-man lettering

A practice to avoid medication errors by using mixed-case lettering for similar drug names, e.g., aMILoride vs amLODIPine.

Classifications of medications

Categories that indicate the effect of a medication on a body system, the symptoms it relieves, or its desired effects.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how medications are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

Therapeutic effects

The desired positive effects of a medication.

Adverse effects

Undesired and harmful reactions associated with a medication.

Toxic effects

Severe adverse reactions resulting from excessive dosages of medication.

Idiosyncratic reactions

Unusual or atypical reactions to a medication.

Allergic reactions

Immune responses to a medication that can range from mild to severe.

Medication interactions

How medications affect each other when taken concurrently.

Synergistic effect

An interaction where the combined effect of medications is greater than the sum of their individual effects.

Medication tolerance

A phenomenon where the body becomes accustomed to a medication, requiring larger doses to achieve the same effect.

Medication dependence

A condition where a person cannot function without a medication; can be physical or psychological.

Minimum Effective Concentration (MEC)

The lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream that produces the desired effect.

Therapeutic range

The range of drug concentrations in the bloodstream that produces therapeutic effects without causing toxicity.

Peak

The highest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream after administration.

Trough

The lowest concentration of a drug in the bloodstream before the next dose is given.

Half-life

The time it takes for the concentration of a drug in the bloodstream to reduce by half.

Onset

The time it takes for a medication to start producing its effects.

Duration

The length of time a medication's effects last.

Unit dose system

A system of medication dispensing where each dose is individually wrapped and prepared.

Automated Medication Dispensing System

A computerized system for storing and dispensing medication securely.

The 6 Rights of Medication Administration

Right medication, right dose, right patient, right route, right time, and right documentation.

Medication administration record (MAR)

A document that tracks the medications administered to a patient.

High-risk medications

Medications that require additional verification due to their potential for causing harm.

Bar-coding Medication Administration (BCMA)

A technology used to enhance patient safety by using barcodes to verify medication and patient identity.

Documentation

The process of recording medication administration details, including drug, dose, route, and patient's response.

Medication error

Any preventable event that may cause inappropriate medication use or jeopardize patient safety.

Medication reconciliation

The process of comparing a patient's current medications with medications to be prescribed to prevent errors.

National Patient Safety Goals

Goals established to improve patient safety, including accurate medication administration practices.

Standing/Routine Orders

Medication orders that continue until discontinued.

PRN Orders

Medication orders that are to be administered only when needed.

Single/One-Time Orders

Orders for medications given once at a specified time.

STAT Orders

Immediate orders for medications that must be given right away.

Now Orders

Orders for medications that need to be given quickly, typically within 90 minutes.

Barriers to medication therapy

Factors that hinder effective medication administration and adherence.

Nursing Process: Assessment

The process of collecting and analyzing patient data to guide medication administration.

Nursing Process: Diagnosis

Identifying patient problems related to medication administration.

Nursing Process: Implementation

Carrying out medication administration tasks, including patient assessments and teaching.

Nursing Process: Evaluation

Monitoring patient responses and outcomes related to medications.

Pre-administration assessment

Evaluating the patient for contraindications and allergies before administering medications.

Medication orders should include

Date, time, patient's name, medication name, dose, route, schedule, and provider's signature.

Clinical judgment

The ability to make informed decisions based on patient assessments and clinical guidelines.

Patient teaching

Providing information to patients about their medications to promote understanding and adherence.

Medication safety precautions

Actions taken to prevent medication errors and ensure safe administration.