History of Pharmacology and Medication Administration Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts, plant sources, drug classifications, definitions, and medical conditions from Chapter 1 History of Pharmacology.

Pharmacogenetics

The study and process of analyzing a patient's genetic material to develop pharmacological agents and determine the best drug and dosage to treat diseases based on how they respond to medications.

Diuretic Therapy

Medication treatment that increases urine production to cleanse the kidneys and liver and lower blood pressure; requires monitoring intake, output, daily weights, and adjusting fluid/electrolyte balance.

Potassium

A mineral electrolyte and intracellular cation essential for cellular function.

Magnesium Sulfate

A mineral intracellular electrolyte and inorganic salt that can act as a laxative.

Iodine

A mineral trace element required for thyroid hormone synthesis that also functions as an antimicrobial agent.

Cefazolin

An antibiotic given preoperatively (e.g., 30 minutes prior to surgery) as a prophylactic medication to reduce the risk of postoperative bacterial infection.

Hypothyroidism

A condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a slow metabolism.

Levothyroxine Sodium

A synthetic thyroid hormone medication prescribed to restore metabolic rate and heart rate in patients with hypothyroidism.

Oncology

The field of medical study, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

Hospice Care

Medical care provided to patients with a terminal illness who have a life expectancy of six months or less, focusing on comfort rather than curative measures.

Palliative Therapy

Medication or medical care designed to ease symptoms and provide pain relief to keep terminal or ill patients comfortable.

Penicillin

An antibiotic discovered in 1928 by Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming after noticing Penicillium notatum mold on a culture plate hindering the growth of surrounding bacteria.

Naloxone

A medication used to treat suspected opioid overdose.

Barium Sulfate

A radiopaque contrast agent used as a diagnostic medication to visualize the gastrointestinal tract during X-rays and CT scans.

Rose Hips

The fruit of the rose plant, which contains high levels of Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) used for collagen formation, iron absorption, antioxidant protection, and immune function.

Foxglove

A toxic plant containing cardiac glycosides, used to create heart medications that strengthen heart contractions.

Bark of White Willow Tree

A natural plant source whose inner bark contains salicin, which is converted by the body into salicylic acid—the active metabolite in aspirin used for pain relief, fever reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Barbiturates

Synthetic sedative-hypnotic medications created through chemical synthesis, primarily used for treating seizures, managing anesthesia, and certain headache treatments.

Pharmacodynamics

The branch of pharmacology focused on the study of how drugs affect the body.

Diagnostic Drugs

Medications (such as radiopaque dyes or contrast materials) used to help identify pathological processes in the body.

Replacement Medications

Drugs (such as thyroid hormone or insulin) that supply physiological components the body is lacking or failing to produce.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

A gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium found in human and animal intestines used to produce the recombinant form of human insulin.

Human Recombinant Insulin

A synthetic form of insulin produced using E. coli that is more economical and presents a lower risk of allergic reactions and immunogenic differences compared to animal-derived insulins.

Flu Vaccine

A prophylactic medication administered to reduce the likelihood of contracting influenza.

Antineoplastic Agent

A destructive medication used to treat cancer by reducing or destroying neoplasms (abnormal tissue growths or tumors).

Acetaminophen

A medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Central Line

A thin, hollow tube placed into a large vein near the heart through which Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are generally prohibited from administering medications.

Botulinum Toxin

A neurotoxic protein produced by bacteria—the deadliest natural toxin known—used in small therapeutic doses to paralyze target muscles for treating conditions like torticollis, strabismus, and migraine headaches.

Torticollis

A condition characterized by involuntary contraction of the neck muscles, also known as wry neck, which can be congenital or acquired.

Strabismus

A condition commonly known as lazy eye, occurring when eye muscles fail to properly align or coordinate.

Iodine Irradiation Therapy

A radioactive treatment using iodine as a destructive agent to shrink tumors, destroy malignant tissue, and treat hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer.