Medication Administration and Pharmacology

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to medication administration and pharmacology for exam preparation.

Chemical Name

The precise name of a medication's ingredients, resembling a chemical formula, not used for prescribing.

Generic Name

Assigned by the U.S. Adopted Name Council, a shorthand version usually based on the chemical name; not capitalized and not owned by a pharmaceutical company.

Brand Name (Trade Name)

A shorter, easier-to-remember name owned by the pharmaceutical company that markets the drug, often capitalized.

Oral Route

Medications taken through the mouth, either by swallowing or buccal placement.

Sublingual Route

Medications absorbed under the tongue.

Mucosal Route

Medications absorbed through the mucosa, e.g., rectally, vaginally, ocularly, or via inhalation.

Topical Route

Medications applied to the skin, such as creams or patches.

Parenteral Route

Medications given beneath the skin, including various forms of injections.

Schedule I Drugs

Highly addictive substances with no accepted medical purpose; examples include heroin and LSD.

Schedule II Drugs

High potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses; examples include morphine and oxycodone.

Desired Effect

The intended therapeutic outcome for which a medication is prescribed.

Side Effect

An unintended outcome of a medication, which may be expected or unexpected.

Adverse Effect

A more severe unintended outcome that can be harmful and often unexpected at normal doses.

Allergic Reaction

A response by the immune system to medication, marked by symptoms like rash or hives.

Anaphylaxis

A life-threatening, severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Therapeutic Level

The amount of medication in the bloodstream required to achieve desired effects.

Toxic Level

Occurs when there is excessive medication in the body, leading to harmful symptoms.

Cardiovascular Medications

Medications that regulate heart function and blood circulation.

Antiarrhythmics

Drugs that regulate irregular heartbeats and suppress cardiac arrhythmias.

Anticoagulants

Medications that delay blood clotting, used to prevent and treat heart attacks and strokes.

Antihypertensives

Medications aimed at lowering blood pressure.

Narcotics

Analgesics that are addictive and primarily relieve pain.

Antidiabetics

Medications that manage blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

Final Safety Check

Performing a check of patient identity, medication, dosage, and route before administration.

Seven Rights of Medication Administration

Guidelines for safe medication administration: Right Medication, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Patient, Right Indication, Right Date and Time, Right Documentation.

BCMA (Barcode Medication Administration)

A system that improves medication safety by scanning patient and medication barcodes to verify administration.

Why is a medication's Chemical Name not typically used for prescribing?

Because it is the precise name of the medication's ingredients, resembling a complex chemical formula.

Who is responsible for assigning the generic name to a medication?

The U.S. Adopted Name Council.

What are two distinct characteristics regarding the capitalization and ownership of a generic medication name?

It is not capitalized and is not owned by a pharmaceutical company.

Who holds ownership of a medication's Brand Name (Trade Name)?

The pharmaceutical company that markets the drug.

What is a common visual characteristic of a Brand Name (Trade Name)?

It is often capitalized.

What are the two primary methods of medication administration via the Oral Route?

By swallowing or buccal placement.

List examples of medication administration sites for the Mucosal Route.

Rectally, vaginally, ocularly, or via inhalation.

Regarding medical purpose, what is a defining characteristic of Schedule I Drugs?

They have no accepted medical purpose.

What is the level of addiction potential for Schedule I Drugs?

Highly addictive substances.

Name two specific examples of Schedule I Drugs.

Heroin and LSD.

What is a key difference between Schedule I and Schedule II Drugs regarding medical use?

Schedule II Drugs have accepted medical uses, unlike Schedule I Drugs.

What is the level of abuse potential for Schedule II Drugs?

High potential for abuse.

Name two specific examples of Schedule II Drugs.

Morphine and oxycodone.

Is a Side Effect always an expected outcome of a medication?

No, a side effect is an unintended outcome which may be expected or unexpected.

How does an Adverse Effect differ from a Side Effect in terms of severity?

An adverse effect is a more severe unintended outcome that can be harmful.

At normal doses, are Adverse Effects typically expected or unexpected?

Often unexpected at normal doses.

What body system is responsible for an Allergic Reaction to medication?

The immune system.

What are common visible symptoms of an Allergic Reaction?

Rash or hives.

Why does Anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention?

Because it is a life-threatening, severe allergic reaction.

What is achieved when medication is at a Therapeutic Level in the bloodstream?

Desired effects.

What indicates that there is excessive medication in the body, leading to a Toxic Level?

Harmful symptoms.

What two main functions do Cardiovascular Medications regulate?

Heart function and blood circulation.

What specific heart condition do Antiarrhythmics target?

Irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrhythmias.

What is the primary action of Anticoagulants regarding blood?

To delay blood clotting.

Anticoagulants are used to prevent and treat which cardiovascular events?

Heart attacks and strokes.

What is the main therapeutic goal of Antihypertensives?

Lowering blood pressure.

What is the primary therapeutic effect of Narcotics?

Primarily relieve pain.

What is a significant risk associated with Narcotics?

They are addictive.

What do Antidiabetics primarily manage in diabetes patients?

Blood sugar levels.

Prior to administration, what four key elements must be checked during a Final Safety Check?

Patient identity, medication, dosage, and route.

What does the 'Right Medication' principle of the Seven Rights ensure?

Verifying that the correct drug is being administered as prescribed.

What does the 'Right Dose' principle emphasize in medication administration?

Ensuring the exact, prescribed quantity of medication is given.

What does the 'Right Route' principle mean for medication administration?

Administering the medication via the specified method (e.g., orally, topically, parenterally).

What is the importance of the 'Right Patient' principle in medication safety?

Confirming the medication is delivered to the intended individual using appropriate identifiers.

What does 'Right Indication' mean within the Seven Rights of Medication Administration?

Ensuring there is a valid and documented reason for giving the medication to the patient.

Why is 'Right Date and Time' a crucial principle in medication administration?

To ensure the medication is given at the correct prescribed interval and within the appropriate timeframe.

What does 'Right Documentation' entail in the context of the Seven Rights?

Accurately recording all details of medication administration and the patient's response.

How does BCMA specifically enhance medication safety?

By scanning patient and medication barcodes to verify administration details, reducing errors.