Pharmacology and the Professional Nurse

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering essential concepts in pharmacology and nursing practice.

What is included in a patient's medication profile during assessment?

Any and all drug use, prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.

What are the components of effective planning goals in pharmacology?

Goals should be objective, measurable, realistic, and have an established time period for achieving specified outcomes.

What is the 'Right' of medication administration regarding the drug?

The right drug must be administered.

What is the fastest route of drug delivery into the bloodstream?

Intravenous route is the fastest.

What is meant by the first pass effect in drug absorption?

A large proportion of a drug is chemically changed into inactive metabolites by the liver before it reaches systemic circulation.

What factors affect drug distribution in the body?

Transport of the drug by the bloodstream to its site of action, influenced by blood protein levels, such as albumin.

What is metabolism in pharmacokinetics?

It refers to the biochemical alteration of a drug into inactive metabolites, more soluble compounds, or more potent active metabolites.

What is the significance of half-life in pharmacology?

It measures the time required for half (50%) of a drug to be eliminated from the body, indicating the rate of elimination.

What are tolerance and dependence in pharmacotherapeutics?

Tolerance is a decreasing response to repeated drug doses; dependence is a physiologic or psychological need for a drug.

What is the importance of the FDA?

The FDA is responsible for regulating drugs and implementing safety categories for medications used during pregnancy.

What should nurses consider when dealing with older adult patients regarding drug therapy?

Increased incidence of chronic illnesses, polypharmacy, and the likelihood of adverse effects and toxicity.

What are some common drug interactions and effects?

Additive effects, synergistic effects, antagonistic effects, and incompatibility.

What are adverse drug reactions that a nurse must monitor?

Pharmacologic reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, idiosyncratic reactions, and teratogenic effects.

What does medication reconciliation involve?

Continuous assessment and updating of a patient's medication information, including verification and clarification.

How can medication errors be prevented in healthcare?

By implementing systems of checks and balances, thorough reporting, and consistent verification before administration.

What is the role of patient education in pharmacology?

It involves educating patients about their medications, ensuring understanding and safe administration.

What are the risks associated with Over-the-Counter (OTC) drug use?

They may postpone effective treatment of chronic diseases and cause interactions with prescription medications.

What are commonly used herbal products?

Aloe, feverfew, ginkgo, goldenseal, St. John’s wort, valerian, echinacea, garlic, ginseng, and hawthorn.

What is the significance of the 'Six Rights' of medication administration?

They serve as a guide to ensure safe medication administration by confirming the right drug, dose, time, route, patient, and documentation.

What constitutes a medication error?

An error that occurs at any step of the medication process, causing no harm, harm, or resulting in death.

What is meant by toxicity in pharmacology?

Toxicity occurs when the peak blood level of a drug is too high.

What methods should be used for pediatric dosage calculations?

Always use weight in kilograms and measure height in centimeters.