Pharmacology and Equipment in Interventional Radiology

Flashcards on key vocabulary related to pharmacology and interventional radiology concepts.

Pharmacokinetics

The movement of drugs within the body including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination.

Absorption

The process by which drugs are taken into the body, with IV or IA routes used for rapid onset.

Distribution

How drugs are transported from the bloodstream to tissues and organs, influenced by factors like perfusion and plasma binding.

Metabolism

The process of chemically modifying drugs in the body to facilitate elimination, primarily occurring in the liver.

Elimination

The removal of drugs from the body through various means such as renal and hepatic excretion.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of the biological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.

Embolization

A procedure that blocks abnormal blood vessels using various substances to control bleeding or cut blood supply to a tumor.

Anticoagulants

Drugs that prevent blood clotting, examples include Heparin and Warfarin.

Sedation

The use of drugs to relax patients without relieving pain, often combined with analgesia.

Contrast Agents

Substances used to enhance imaging by showing blood supply to structures and differentiating between normal and abnormal tissues.

Legal Role of Radiographers

Ensure drugs are prescribed and administered under supervision, following safety protocols and legal requirements.

Ethical Considerations

Informed consent and patient education on potential side effects of off-label drug use.

Adverse Reactions

Unwanted effects resulting from drug administration, ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe anaphylaxis.

Thrombolytics

Agents that dissolve abnormal blood clots in blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Patient Monitoring

Regular checks of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation during procedures.