Unit 2 Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Safe Medication Administration final - Copy

The study of how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and excretes drugs.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of what drugs do to the body and how they exert their effects.

Pharmacodynamics

The biochemical alteration of a drug into an inactive metabolite, a more soluble compound, or a more potent metabolite.

or Chemical changes of the drug in the liver, often involving Cytochrome P-450 Enzymes

Metabolism

The proportion of a drug that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and is made available for use or storage.

Bioavailability

The time required for half (50%) of a given drug to be removed from the body.

Half-Life

The phenomenon where the concentration of a drug is significantly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation.

First Pass Effect

The ability of a medication to produce the desired therapeutic effect.

Efficacy

A higher dosage of the drug administered to quickly reach therapeutic concentration.

Loading Dose

A dose given to maintain the plasma drug concentration within the therapeutic range.

Maintenance Dose

A drug that binds to a receptor and activates it to produce a desired effect.

Agonist

A drug that binds to a receptor but does not activate it, blocking the action of agonists.

Antagonist

A measure of a drug’s safety margin; a higher value indicates a safer drug.

Therapeutic Index

Unintended side effects of a drug that can cause harm or lead patients to discontinue treatment.

Adverse Effects

The condition resulting from excessive drug levels in the body, often due to impaired metabolism or elimination.

Toxicity

Different methods by which medications are delivered, including oral, rectal, transdermal, and intravenous.

Routes of Administration

The practice of minimizing risks and harm to patients during medication administration.

Patient Safety

One of the rights of medication administration; ensuring the correct medication is given.

Right Drug

The patient's entitlement to be informed about medications and to refuse them.

Rights of the Client

Medication errors that can be avoided through proper protocols and oversight by healthcare providers.

Preventable Medication Errors

Documentation required for the administration and tracking of narcotics to prevent misuse and errors.

Narcotic Administration Records

The extent to which patients take medications as prescribed and follow treatment recommendations.

Medication Adherence

The study of the therapeutic uses and effects of drugs.

Pharmacotherapeutics

The process of spreading medication throughout the body via the bloodstream.

Distribution

The process by which drugs enter the bloodstream from the site of administration.

Absorption

The process of eliminating drugs and their metabolites from the body.

Excretion

The specific mixture of ingredients in a drug product, which can affect absorption and efficacy.

Drug Formulation

The records and tools used to ensure safe and effective medication administration.

Documentation and Resources

Educating patients about their medications to improve adherence and safety.

Medication Teaching

Changes in metabolism and drug handling by the body due to aging, affecting drug efficacy and safety.

Aging and Drug Metabolism

Changes in the effect of a drug when it is taken with another drug.

Drug-Drug Interactions

The degree of blood supply to a tissue, influencing drug distribution and absorption.

Vascularization

Determining the relationship between drug levels in plasma and therapeutic effectiveness.

Drug Efficacy Measurement

The process of determining the correct dosage and administration of medications based on specific criteria.

Medication Calculation