Pharmacology and Drug Regulation Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering pharmacology, drug categories, pharmacokinetics, medication administration safety, IV complications, and nutrition interactions.

Schedule 1 Controlled Substances

Drugs characterized by a high abuse potential and no accepted medical use.

Schedule 2 Controlled Substances

Drugs characterized by a high potential for abuse and severe dependence liability.

Schedule 3 Controlled Substances

Drugs characterized by less potential for abuse and moderate dependence liability.

Schedule 4 Controlled Substances

Drugs characterized by limited addiction potential and limited dependence liability.

Schedule 5 Controlled Substances

Drugs characterized by low abuse potential.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of drug movement through the body, involving four components: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Absorption

The first step of pharmacokinetics, whose rate depends on the route of administration, gastric mucosa/motility, and age; intravenous is the fastest route (30-60 seconds).

Distribution

The movement of drugs throughout the body, affected by plasma protein binding (such as albumin) and tissue barriers like the blood-brain barrier.

Metabolism (Biotransformation)

The process of changing medications into less active or inactive forms via liver enzymes, specifically the Cytochrome P-450 system.

First-Pass Effect

The metabolism of a drug in the liver before it enters systemic circulation, leading to decreased drug bioavailability and a decreased therapeutic response.

Excretion

The primary elimination of drugs through the kidneys (monitored by BUN/Creatinine and eGFR) and the GI tract via feces.

Loading Dose

A higher concentration of a drug given initially to rapidly achieve a therapeutic level.

Maintenance Dose

A dose given to maintain the desired peak concentration of a drug in the body.

Therapeutic Index (TI)

An indicator of a drug's safety; drugs with a narrow TI (e.g., warfarin, Digoxin, lithium) have a narrow margin of safety and high risk of toxicity.

Agonists

Drugs that occupy and activate cellular receptors.

Antagonists

Drugs that occupy cellular receptors but block their activation.

10 Rights of Administration

Medication safety practice ensuring the right client, medication, dose, time, route, education, right to refuse, assessment, evaluation, and documentation.

Medication Reconciliation

The process of obtaining, comparing, and documenting a complete list of a client's medications at every provider level, including providing a list and instructions at discharge.

Syringe Selection Rule

The standard to always choose the smallest syringe that safely fits the dose (e.g., using a 1 mL syringe for a 0.4 mL dose).

U-100 Insulin

An insulin formulation with a concentration of 100 units per mL.

Infiltration

Leakage of a non-vesicant solution into surrounding tissue, causing cool, pale/blanched skin, swelling, and a slowed infusion rate.

Extravasation

Leakage of a vesicant medication (e.g., chemotherapy, dopamine, potassium chloride) into tissue, leading to severe pain, burning, blistering, and skin necrosis.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of a vein caused by large catheters, irritating medications, or poor technique, presenting with redness, warmth, tenderness, and a palpable cord or streaking.

Grapefruit Juice Interaction

Inhibition of liver enzymes (CYP3A4) by grapefruit juice that leads to dangerously high drug levels and toxicity, particularly with statins and calcium channel blockers.

Vitamin K and Warfarin Interaction

Interference of warfarin with vitamin K clotting pathways, requiring clients to maintain consistent vitamin K intake to prevent sudden INR fluctuations.

Protein Status (Pharmacology)

The presence of blood proteins acting as drug-binding agents; low protein levels increase free drug levels and heighten the risk of medication toxicity.