Sedatives and Hypnotics Study Flashcards

This set of flashcards provides vocabulary terms and definitions related to sedatives and hypnotics, essential for understanding pharmacological actions, nursing processes, and client education.

Sedatives

Drugs that induce calmness or drowsiness, often used to treat anxiety.

Hypnotics

Drugs specifically used to induce sleep.

Insomnia

Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Barbiturates

A class of sedative drugs with limited use due to high potential for dependency.

Benzodiazepines

A class of sedatives that enhance GABA effects to decrease anxiety and induce sleep.

Nonbenzodiazepines

Sedatives with similar effects to benzodiazepines but a different chemical structure.

CNS depression

The reduction of the activity of the central nervous system, often leading to drowsiness or sedation.

Adverse reactions

Unwanted side effects from medications, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

Contraindications

Conditions or factors that serve as reasons to withhold a certain medical treatment.

Tolerence

A reduced response to a drug after repeated usage, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

Withdrawal symptoms

Physical or psychological effects that occur upon the abrupt discontinuation of a drug.

Client education

Essential information provided to clients to ensure effective and safe medication use.

Environmental factors affecting sleep

Elements in a client's surroundings that can influence sleep quality, such as noise and light.

Habitual alcohol use

The regular consumption of alcohol, which can impact the effectiveness of sedatives and hypnotics.

Vital signs assessment

The measurement of basic bodily functions, critical before administering sedative medications.

Therapeutic response

The desired effect or outcome of a medication when administered appropriately.

Coping Impairment

A nursing diagnosis relating to a client's ability to manage stress or medication side effects.

Safety measures

Practices implemented to protect clients, especially when they are sedated.

Short-term use

The recommended duration for taking sedatives and hypnotics to prevent dependency.