Basic Pharmacology and Medication Administration

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture on pharmacology and medication administration.

Pharmacology

The study of medications, including their origin, nature, properties, and effects on living organisms.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of the time-related processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of medications in the body.

Absorption (Medication Cycle)

The process by which a medication enters the bloodstream after administration.

Distribution (Medication Cycle)

The delivery of an absorbed medication from the bloodstream to tissues, organs, and cells.

Metabolism (Medication Cycle)

The chemical breakdown of a drug in the body, primarily by the liver, kidneys, and intestines.

Excretion (Medication Cycle)

The elimination of medications and their metabolites from the body to prevent buildup, mainly through the kidneys.

Curative Medication

A drug used to cure or treat a health problem.

Prophylactic Medication

A drug administered to prevent a disease or condition from occurring.

Diagnostic Medication

A drug used to help determine the nature or cause of a disease or condition.

Palliative Medication

A drug that relieves symptoms and increases patient comfort without curing the underlying condition.

Replacement Medication

A drug that substitutes for a missing substance in the body.

Destructive Medication

A drug designed to destroy tumors or microbes.

Side Effect

A mild, common, and expected reaction to a medication.

Adverse Reaction

A severe, unintended, and potentially harmful or life-threatening response to a medication.

Therapeutic Level

The concentration at which a medication achieves its optimum desired effect.

Potency

The strength of a drug or its ability to produce the intended effect.

Seven Rights of Medication Administration

The safety checklist: right medication, right patient, right dose, right route, right technique, right time, and right documentation.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The U.S. agency that creates and enforces regulations governing medications.

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

The U.S. agency that enforces laws related to controlled substances.

Generic Name

The official, non-proprietary name of a drug (e.g., ibuprofen).

Trade (Brand) Name

The proprietary name a company assigns to its drug (e.g., Advil, Tylenol).

Medication Order Requirements

Must include patient name, DOB, allergies, medication name and dose, route, time/frequency, and prescriber signature.

Medication Administration Record (MAR) Requirements

Includes patient ID, allergies, medication name and dose, route, administration time slots, start/stop dates, and documentation of PRN or refused doses.

High-Alert Medications

Drugs such as insulin or anticoagulants that require double-checking to reduce error risk.

Enteral Route

Medication administration through the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., oral, NG tube, rectal).

Oral (PO) Route

Medication taken by mouth and swallowed; absorption occurs in the GI tract.

Liquid Solution

An oral form where the drug is completely dissolved (e.g., liquid acetaminophen).

Suspension

A chalky oral mixture that must be shaken before administration.

Enteric-Coated Tablet

A tablet with a special coating that prevents dissolution in the stomach; never crush.

Time-Released/Delayed-Action Tablet

A tablet formulated to dissolve and release medication slowly in the small intestine.

Capsule

A gelatin container holding powder, liquid, or granules that dissolve in the GI tract.

Buccal Route

Placement of medication between cheek and gum to dissolve without chewing or swallowing.

Sublingual (SL) Route

Placement of medication under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream.

Rectal Medication Administration

Delivery of suppositories, enemas, suspensions, or ointments via the rectum, typically with patient in left-side position and lubricant applied.

NG/Gastrostomy Tube Medication Administration

Verify tube placement, check residual, flush with 15–30 mL water, give medication, and flush again.

Ear Drop Administration (Child <3 yrs)

Pull the ear down and back before instilling drops.

Ear Drop Administration (Adult/Child ≥3 yrs)

Pull the ear up and back before instilling drops.