American EMT Chapter 12 Vocab - Principles of Pharmacology

EMT-administered medication

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

Over-the-counter (OTC)

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription.

Pharmacology

The study of the properties and effects of medications.

Transcutaneous

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Sublingually

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Generic Name

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

Adverse effects

Any unwanted clinical results of a medication.

Parenteral Medication

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

Elimination

The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body.

Hypoglycemia

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Action

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Per os

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

Indications

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Anticoagulants

A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.

Medication error

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

Agonist

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Peer-assisted medication

When the EMT administers medication to himself or herself or to a partner.

Nitroglycerin

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

Polypharmacy

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.

Antipyretics

Medications that treat or reduce a fever.

Suspension

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

Intranasal

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

Medication

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

Onset of action

The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects.

Solution

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

Intraosseous

An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Intravenous

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

Pharmacokinetics

The processes that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated.

Unintended effects

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

Dose

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

Intramuscular

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Mucosal atomizer device (MAD)

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

Orally

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Pharmacodynamics

The process by which a medication works in the body.

Gel

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

Duration

The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last.

Contraindications

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

Antiplatelet

A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.

Patient-assisted medication

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

Absorption

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

Trade name

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

Oral glucose

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

Oxygen

A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without it.

Antifungal

A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus.

Topical

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

Enteral medications

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system.

Untoward effects

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.

Peak

The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved.

Antibiotic

A medication used to treat infections caused by a bacterium.

Epinephrine

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree, increases pulse rate and blood pressure; drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.

Per rectum

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Therapeutic effect

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

Inhalation

The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route.

Metered-dose inhaler

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

Prescription medications

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

Antagonist

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

Aspirin

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

Subcutaneous

administration of medication in fatty tissue