Introduction to Pharmacology (NURS 180)

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions related to pharmacology, as discussed in the lecture.

Pharmacology

The study of how drugs interact with biological systems.

Pharmacokinetics

The branch of pharmacology concerned with the movement of drugs within the body.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of the effects of drugs on biological systems.

Bioavailability

The percentage of the administered dose of a drug that reaches systemic circulation.

Agonist

A medication that activates receptors to produce a desired response.

Antagonist

A medication that prevents receptor activation and blocks a response.

Adverse Effects

Undesired effects that occur at normal therapeutic doses of a medication.

Therapeutic Index (TI)

The ratio that compares the blood concentration at which a drug causes a therapeutic effect to the amount that causes toxicity.

First-pass effect

The metabolism of a drug before it enters systemic circulation, potentially reducing its bioavailability.

Drug interactions

When one drug alters the effect of another drug, either enhancing or diminishing its action.

Drug toxicity

A harmful level of a drug in the body that can cause injury or death.

Contraindications

Conditions or factors that serve as a reason to withhold a certain medical treatment.

Medication reconciliation

The process of ensuring that a patient's medication list is accurate and up-to-date at transitions in care.

Hepatotoxic

Refers to substances that can cause damage to the liver.

Nephrotoxic

Refers to substances that can cause damage to the kidneys.

Medication Administration Rights

The rights of safe medication administration, including the right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, and right documentation.

Controlled Substances

Drugs that have a potential for abuse and are regulated by law.

Generic Name

The non-proprietary name of a drug assigned by the United States Adopted Names Council.

Trade Name

The brand name given to a drug by its manufacturer, typically trademarked.