Medication Administration and Pharmacology Cram Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to medication administration, pharmacology, and patient safety in healthcare.

Medication Competence

Depends on knowledge, skill, legal awareness, and reflective practice.

Drug Formulations

Affect absorption, onset, and route; examples include tablets, solutions, and patches.

Generic Drug Name

The active ingredient of a medication, ensuring clarity and safety.

Brand Name

The trade name of a drug, which may differ from its generic name.

Poisons Schedule

Classification of drugs in Australia based on safety and control, e.g., S2 to S8.

Medication Calculations

Dose calculation uses the formula: Dose = (Desired / Stock) × Volume.

Legal Prescription

Must include patient name, date, drug name, dose, route, frequency, and prescriber signature.

National Inpatient Medication Chart (NIMC)

A chart that records patient ID, allergies, prescriber details, and medication administration.

Quality Use of Medicines (QUM)

Using medicines safely, effectively, and judiciously while ensuring benefits outweigh risks.

Six Rights of Medication Administration

Right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, right documentation.

Medication Errors

Include wrong drug, dose, patient, route, or time; prevented by double-checks and clear labeling.

APINCHS

A mnemonic for identifying high-risk medication categories in healthcare.

Pharmacodynamics

How drugs affect the body through mechanisms such as receptor binding and enzyme inhibition.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in the body.

Half-life

The time required for the concentration of a drug in plasma to reduce by half.

Bioavailability

The proportion of a drug that reaches systemic circulation; 100% for IV administered drugs.

Cholinergic Agonists

Stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to increased salivation and decreased HR.

Antihistamines

Block histamine receptors to reduce allergy symptoms; first-generation can cause sedation.

Antihypertensives

Classes of drugs used to lower blood pressure, such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Diuretics

Increase urine output and can be used to treat conditions like fluid retention.

Bronchodilators

Relaxes airway smooth muscle; examples include salbutamol.

Insulin

A drug used to lower blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit prostaglandins, reducing pain and inflammation.

Antibiotics

Drugs that inhibit cell wall or protein synthesis; include penicillins and cephalosporins.