General Pharmacology

Pharmacology

The study of drugs, including their sources, characteristics, and effects on the body.

Pharmacokinetics

How drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

Pharmacodynamics

How drugs produce their effects in the body.

Five Rights

The essential checks for safe medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time.

Medication Administration

The process of giving a patient medication safely and effectively.

Emergency Medications

Medications used in emergency situations to treat life-threatening conditions.

Epinephrine

A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions, causing vasoconstriction and bronchodilation.

Naloxone

An antidote for narcotic overdose that quickly reverses respiratory depression due to opioids.

Aspirin

A medication used to prevent blood clotting, critical for patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac origin.

Albuterol

An inhaled bronchodilator used to relieve symptoms of asthma and COPD.

IV Therapy

The administration of fluids or medications directly into a patient's circulation via an intravenous line.

Contraindications

Conditions under which a medication should not be given as it may cause harm.

Indications

Specific signs or circumstances that make it appropriate to administer a certain medication.

Side Effects

Actions of a drug other than the intended effect, which can be predictable or adverse.

Untoward Effects

Unexpected and potentially harmful reactions that can occur in addition to the desired effect.

Sublingual

A route of administration where medication is placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

Intravenous (IV) Administration

Direct injection of medication into a vein for immediate effect.

Intranasal Medication

Medications sprayed into the nostrils, absorbed through nasal capillaries.

Oral Glucose

A medication administered to conscious patients with altered mental status and suspected low blood sugar.

Medical Direction

The protocols and guidance provided by a medical director for medication administration.

Clinical Judgment

The ability to assess a patient's condition and make decisions regarding medication administration.

Documentation

The process of recording medication administration details, including time, dose, and observed effects.

Overdose

Administration of a drug in quantities greater than recommended, leading to toxicity.

Activated Charcoal

A medication used to treat certain poisonings or overdoses by adsorbing toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.

Inhaled Medications

Medications that are breathed into the lungs for rapid effect.

Glucagon

A hormone used to treat hypoglycemia by raising blood glucose levels.

Nitroglycerin

A medication used to treat chest pain by dilating coronary blood vessels.

Herbal Agents

Natural substances used for medicinal purposes, which may interact with prescribed medications.

Patient Assessment

The evaluation of a patient's condition to determine the appropriate course of action.

Reassessment

The ongoing evaluation of a patient's condition after the administration of medication.

Training and Authorization

The requirement for EMTs to be trained in medication administration protocols specific to their jurisdiction.

Flow Rate Adjustment

The process of changing the speed of fluid delivery in IV therapy.

Medication Safety Protocols

Guidelines and checks to ensure medications are given safely and effectively.