Clinical Procedures I: Medication Administration Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards keying in on essential terminology, prescription components, calculation concepts, measurement units, injection routes, equipment anatomy, and administration protocols from the clinical procedures lecture.

Superscription

The part of a prescription that includes the symbol Rx, meaning 'take thou'.

Inscription

The part of a prescription that states the names and quantities of ingredients to be included in the medication.

Subscription

The part of a prescription that gives directions to the pharmacist for filling the prescription.

Signature (Sig)

The part of a prescription that gives directions for the patient.

Repetatur

The part of a prescription where the physician indicates whether or not the prescription can be refilled.

Ratio

A method of expressing the relationship of number, quantity, substance, or degree between two similar components.

Proportion

The process of expressing a comparative relationship between a part, share, or portion with regard to size, amount, or number.

Means

The two numbers closest to the equals sign in a proportion.

Extremes

The outer two numbers in a proportion.

Micro (Metric Prefix)

A metric prefix meaning one millionth of a unit ($0.000001$).

Milli (Metric Prefix)

A metric prefix meaning one-thousandth of a unit ($0.001$).

Centi (Metric Prefix)

A metric prefix meaning one-hundredth of a unit ($0.01$).

Deci (Metric Prefix)

A metric prefix meaning one-tenth of a unit ($0.1$).

Deka (Metric Prefix)

A metric prefix meaning ten units ($10$).

Insulin

A hormone secreted by beta cells of the islets of Langerhans, necessary for proper metabolism of blood glucose and maintenance of correct blood sugar level.

Type I Diabetes

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), where individuals must take insulin injections on a regular basis to maintain life.

Type II Diabetes

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM).

Precipitate

A substance that separates from a solution if allowed to stand.

Parenteral Medication

The injection of a liquid substance into the body via a route other than the alimentary canal.

Subcutaneous Route

An injection route administered just below the surface of the skin, usually given at a 45^\bar{o} angle.

Intramuscular Route

An injection route given at a 90^\bar{o} angle that passes through skin and subcutaneous tissue to penetrate deep into muscle tissue.

Intradermal Route

An injection route within the dermal layer of skin, given at a 10^\bar{o} to 15^\bar{o} angle.

Ampule

A prefilled sterile container usually holding a single dose of hypodermic solution that requires its top to be broken off for access.

Barrel

The part of a syringe that holds medication and is calibrated for ease in measuring.

Plunger

A movable cylinder designed for insertion within the barrel, providing the mechanism by which medication is drawn into or pushed out of the barrel.

Flange

The rim at the end of the barrel where the plunger is inserted, featuring appendages for finger placement and preventing the syringe from rolling.

Bevel

The flat, slanted surface formed when the end of a needle shaft is ground away.

Lumen

The hollow core of a needle that forms an oval-shaped opening when exposed at the beveled point.

Dorsogluteal Area

Traditional adult IM injection site in the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks, located using a diagonal line between the posterior iliac spine and greater trochanter of the femur.

Ventrogluteal Area

An IM injection site free of major nerves and vessels, located by placing the palm against the greater trochanter with the index finger on the anterior superior iliac spine and middle finger along the iliac crest.

Vastus Lateralis

The preferred IM injection site for infants and children, located on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.

Z-Track Method

An IM injection technique where skin is pulled to the side prior to needle insertion, used when medication is irritating or discolors subcutaneous tissue.

Inhalation

The act of drawing breath, vapor, or gas into the lungs.

Hypoxemia

An inadequate supply of oxygen in the body.