Pharmacology and Medication Administration Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in pharmacology and medication administration, focusing on various aspects of safe practices, drug interactions, and specific patient populations.

What should you do if you pull an expired medication?

Contact the pharmacy for a replacement.

What is a safe environment to prepare medications?

A quiet and distraction-free medication room.

If a patient questions their medication, what should you do?

Double-check the medication against the order and your six rights.

What action should you take if a patient refuses medication?

Provide patient education, then notify the doctor and document the refusal.

What are enteric coated medications?

Medications that should not be crushed because it eliminates the protective coating.

What is the purpose of a spacer for inhalers?

To ensure patients inhale all the medication into their airway.

What is the correct process for administering medications through an enteral route?

Crush medications, mix with water, check for residual in tubing, flush, give the meds, and flush again.

Why do you flush the tube before and after administering meds?

To ensure all medication is delivered and to prevent clotting in the tubing.

How should you position a patient when administering suppositories?

In a side-lying position to aid absorption.

What is the Z-track method used for?

To administer intramuscular medications while minimizing skin irritation.

Why should patients not take sublingual medications with water?

They should leave it under their tongue for proper absorption.

What is one benefit of a transdermal patch compared to a pill?

It offers a more steady and controlled release of medication.

Why shouldn't medications be mixed with baby formula?

The child may refuse the formula if they dislike the taste, which could condition them against it.

What is Lactated Ringer's solution and its importance for septic patients?

An isotonic solution that restores fluids and electrolytes, crucial for hypovolemic or septic shock patients.

What are signs and symptoms of hypokalemia?

Muscle weakness, fatigue, arrhythmias, and changes in EKG.

What indicates fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia)?

Low blood pressure, tachycardia, and fever.

What are signs of fluid volume overload, particularly in heart failure patients?

Crackles in lungs, edema in extremities, and jugular vein distention.

What is the treatment for fluid volume overload?

Diuretics and fluid restrictions.

What are the signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia?

Muscle spasms, numbness, cramps, and tetany.

Why is vitamin D important when taking calcium supplements?

Vitamin D helps in calcium absorption.

What does ADPIE stand for in nursing?

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Intervention, Evaluation.

What should you do if a patient wants to drop out of a clinical trial?

Respect their decision and allow them to withdraw without penalty.

Which injection route facilitates the most rapid absorption?

IV, followed by IM, SQ, and ID.

Why is renal function important in medication clearance?

Certain medications are primarily cleared by the kidneys; patients with kidney disease need monitoring.

What is pharmacogenetics?

The study of how genes affect individual responses to medications.

What considerations should be taken if a patient wants to take herbal supplements?

Encourage discussions with their provider and research credible sources.

What are pediatric drug consideration differences?

Children have less acidic stomachs leading to less effective absorption and a higher chance of toxicity.

What should be monitored with geriatric patients regarding medications?

Increased risk of polypharmacy and medication interactions.

What is the key medication for alcohol detoxification?

Disulfiram, which requires avoiding any alcohol products.

What is Narcan used for?

To reverse opioid overdose.

What is Naltrexone's purpose?

It prevents withdrawal and euphoria by blocking pleasurable effects.

What is essential to monitor in patients with chronic kidney disease?

Their BUN and creatinine levels.

What is the significance of a medication room for preparing meds?

It provides a safe, distraction-free environment for medication preparation.

What should be documented when a patient refuses medication?

The patient's awareness of the risks involved and their reasons for refusal.

What happens if oral medications are crushed without appropriate consideration?

They may lose their protective elements and could be absorbed improperly.

What is recommended for older adults to manage prescriptions and avoid mistakes?

Bring a list of medications to appointments and have larger labels on bottles.

What is the method of administering medications in the Z-track technique?

Pull the skin taut, inject, and withdraw the needle to seal the medication in the muscle.