Introduction to Pharmacology D398

WGU, D398, Pharmacology

What was the primary purpose of the 1906 Pure Food and Drug Act?

To establish drug standards for strength, purity, and quality

Which federal agency was established by the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

What does the 1970 Controlled Substances Act regulate?

The abuse and distribution of controlled substances

What is the purpose of medication guides provided with prescription medicines?

To educate patients on potential adverse effects and how to avoid them

Which of the following is a classified as a Schedule I drug?

Heroin

What is the primary role of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)?

To regulate the manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances

Which drug class has the highest risk of abuse and is not approved for medical use in the U.S.?

Schedule I

What does a Schedule II drug indicate about its potential for abuse?

High risk of abuse and dependence, but has accepted medical uses.

What kind of substances would typically fall under Schedule V?

low risk of abuse, such as cough suppressants and antidiarrheals

Which of the following drugs is an example of a Schedule IV substance?

Diazepam

What is one of the functions of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in ensuring consumer safety?

Investigating and removing unsafe drugs from the market

When must a healthcare provider give a Medication Guide to the patient?

The first time the drug is dispensed to the patient

Which drug schedule is morphine associated with?

Schedule II

Which type of drugs are regulated by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)?

Addictive drugs

What is the primary function of the FDA in relation to drug safety?

Approving drugs for release and ensuring they are safe and effective for public use

What are the three identifiers required for each drug to ensure safe identification and prescribing?

Chemical name, generic name, trade name

What is the main benefit of using generic drugs instead of brand-name drugs?

They are cheaper and increase medication adherence

What drug class shares a common suffix of "statin", meaning to "to stop" cholesterol synthesis?

Statins

What does the term "contraindication" refer to in drug use?

The circumstances or populations in which a drug should be avoided

What is the purpose of drug references for healthcare providers?

Providing access to accurate and reliable drug information

Which drug class uses the "-olol" suffix, which mimics the sound of a heart beating?

Beta-blockers

What is an example of a drug reference tool that healthcare professionals use?

Official drug reference books or online databases

What type of drug name is simvastatin?

generic name

How can you identify the generic name of a drug?

the name is written in all lowercase

Which drug dosage form is absorbed somewhere along the gastrointestinal tract?

Enteral dosage forms

What is the difference between a tablet and a capsule?

Tablets are compressed discs, while capsules contain drugs in a gelatin coating

What is the main advantage of using sublingual tablets?

Faster absorption into the bloodstream

What is a type of injectable drug administration that bypasses the GI tract and provides immediate effects?

Parenteral dosage forms

What is a common feature of transdermal patches used in drug delivery?

They allow for slow, continuous release of drugs into the bloodstream

What is the purpose of a nebulizer in drug administration?

To aerosolize drugs for passive inhalation

What is a reason why liquid dosage forms need to be carefully measured using oral syringes or plastic cups?

To ensure accurate dosing and minimize waste or errors

When a pill is scored, what is its typical use?

To be crushed or cut for gradual dose adjustments

A new patient visits a family care clinic, citing a history of chest pain. Aspirin takes too long or does not relieve the patient's symptoms at all. Which dosage form is designed to resolve the client's chest pain the fastest?

A sublingual tablet

A palliative care center client is having trouble breathing. The client tries to reach for a medication on the nightstand, which looks to be their short-acting bronchodilator. What does the client need to quickly resolve their breathing issue?

A metered-dose inhaler

A hospice facility patient with late-stage cancer is no longer able to swallow tablet medications. Their prescribed medication is only available in tablet form. Which medical supply is designed to help this client take the medication?

A pill crusher

What devise is used for an intramuscular injection of an antibiotic?

A syringe

Why is it important for healthcare professionals to understand medical abbreviations?

To avoid medication errors due to misinterpretation

What is the most commonly used system of measurement in healthcare settings?

Metric system

What is the purpose of the factor-label method?

Converting between household and metric systems without changing the value of the drug dose

What information must be included in a prescription for it to be valid?

The drug name, dose, client name, directions for use, and refills

What should a healthcare provider do if a client cannot swallow pills?

Use an alternative method like liquid, or crushed pill if permitted

What should healthcare professionals use when educating clients on medication doses?

Medical supplies like plastic cups or oral syringes

What is meant when a drug is ordered PRN?

Given as needed

Which medical abbreviation means "by mouth"?

PO

Which medical abbreviation means "left eye"?

OS

What is the main focus in preventing medication errors during drug administration?

Adequate knowledge and training of healthcare professionals

Which of the following is NOT one of the four responsibilities of drug administration?

Prioritizing cost-saving measures

What is the first step in ensuring the safe administration of medications?

Confirming the right time and right dose

What does a "sentinel event" refer to in medication errors?

The most severe type of drug error leading to significant harm or death

What is one of the goals of the Patient Safety Organization (PSO)?

Compiling data on reported adverse drug events and issue warnings

A client says their new prescription is for doxycycline 100 milligram (mg) tablets, which they are to take once a day. However, their bottle reads "doxycycline 100 mg capsules." What is the error?

The wrong form

A client was mistakenly administered a toxic anticancer medication when they should have received an antibiotic. Which action is necessary after helping the patient?

Reporting a drug error

A client in a palliative care facility experienced brain damage from receiving a duplicate dose of medication. Which term describes the level of severity of this error?

A sentinel event

What is the most common route of poison exposure?

Oral ingestion

What is the first step when dealing with a case of poisoning?

Call a local poison control center

What is an appropriate treatment for poisoning caused by inhaled poisons, such as carbon monoxide?

Give oxygen to the patient

What is the most effective treatment for topical poisons that affect the skin or eyes?

Cleaning the affected area with water

What is the primary risk factor for children when it comes to poisoning?

Their inability to distinguish poisonous substances from food

What should you NOT do as treatment when corrosive substances are ingested?

Induce vomiting

Which age group is the most vulnerable to the harmful effects of poisoning due to immature bodily processes?

Children under 5

In the event of a severe allergic reaction, which treatment is typically given?

Epinephrine

What is the main reason older adults are at higher risk of poisoning?

They are more likely to experience medication errors and interactions

What should be done when someone is poisoned by a substance that causes a severe allergic reaction (e.g., a snakebite)?

Administer an antidote or reversal agent

An older person with dementia takes the wrong drug and experiences drug-related toxicity. Which step should be taken after the patient is treated?

Using a pillbox organizer

What is the primary factor in choosing a route of drug administration?

The desired therapeutic effect

What is the most likely reason a patient with severe nausea cannot take medication by mouth?

The drug would not be absorbed due to vomiting

What is the primary advantage of rectal drug administration?

It bypasses the liver metabolism

Why might a drug be administered via a intravenous (IV) route?

To bypass liver metabolism and act quickly

What route is used to deliver drugs directly into the spinal cord?

Intrathecal (IT)

What is an advantage of using an oral route of drug administration?

Convenient administration

When is parenteral drug administration used over oral administration?

When the GI tract is not functioning

What route of administration is used for vaccines?

Intramuscular

Historically, what was the primary source of medication?

Plants and minerals

What plant is known for its cardiovascular effects?

Cinchona bark

What drug group is derived from animal byproducts?

Blood thinners

How do systemic drugs affect the body?

They target the entire body

What is a local effect of medication?

Only effective at the site of administration

What is an example of a drug created through genetic engineering?

Testosterone

What is the main advantage of using synthetic drugs?

They can be created quickly through technology

Why is gene therapy considered a new approach to treatment?

It aims to correct genetic problems by introducing genetic material

What does pharmacokinetics (PK) primarily study?

How the body responds to chemicals over time

What factor can affect drug absorption?

The method of administration

Which organ does drug metabolism primarily occur in?

The liver

What is potentiation?

When one medication prolongs or increases the effect of another

The phenomenon where a patient's positive attitude towards medication results in better physical reactions is known as:

The placebo effect

Which pharmacokinetic process, after absorption, involves a drug transferring from the blood and into the body's organs, fluids, and cells?

Distribution

Which pharmacokinetic process involves the elimination of drugs through normal body functions or systems, such as through the lungs, sweat, feces, or urine?

Excretion

Drug X is blocking a receptor, and Drug Y is trying to attach to it, causing a weakened effect of Drug Y. What is this effect called?

Antagonism

Which effect is observed when a patient starts taking Drug Y after taking Drug X for a week, causing amplified, prolonged effects of Drug X and producing positive outcomes?

Potentiation

What is the main purpose of cardiac glycosides like digoxin in heart failure patients?

To improve the force of heart contractions

What class of drugs is primarily used to lower high cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for cholesterol production?

Statins

What condition is commonly treated with anticoagulants like warfarin (Jantoven)?

Blood clots

What is the primary risk associated with using nitrates such as nitroglycerin in combination with certain medications like sildenafil (Viagra)?

Rapid and dangerous drop in blood pressure

Which of the following is a potential side effect of amlodipine (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker?

Edema (swelling)

What is the primary mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril (Zestril) in lowering blood pressure?

They relax veins and arteries by inhibiting angiotensin II

What drug is commonly used to treat chest pain caused by angina pectoris?

Nitroglycerin (Nitrostat)

Which class of medications used for high blood pressure often causes frequent urination?

Diuretics

A patient was just prescribed a new medication for hypertension. After taking the medication, the patient started to experience a dry cough, which was unresolved after several days. Which medication is most likely contributing to the side effects?

Lisinopril

Which chest pain medication would cause a contraindication in a patient taking Viagra for erectile dysfunction who recently had a heart attack?

Nitroglycerin

Bronchoconstriction is most commonly associated with which condition?

Asthma