General Pharmacology and Medication Administration Flashcards

Comprehensive review of General Pharmacology and Medication Administration including drug names, routes, forms, and EMT responsibilities.

What is the study of drugs called?

pharmacology

According to the transcript, an EMT is permitted to administer or assist with several medications, but which common antibiotic are they NOT permitted to administer?

penicillin

What is the definition of a drug or other substance used as a remedy for illness?

medication

What name refers to medications used for a short specific period of time to treat a new illness or a worsening old illness?

acute medications

Epinephrine is an example of what type of drug name?

generic name

What term refers to the most common uses of a drug in treating a specific condition?

indications

A thick slurry of activated charcoal is an example of what medication form?

suspension

Drugs meeting the requirements of the U.S. Pharmacopeia or National Formulary are given what name?

official name

How are medications administered sublingually?

They are dissolved under the tongue.

What are drug actions that are not desired and occur in addition to the desired therapeutic effects called?

side effects

What are some brand names of prescribed inhalers an EMT might expect to see?

Alupent, Ventolin, Proventil, ProAir, AccuNeb, and VoSpire.

What are the key steps an EMT must follow when assisting a patient with medication?

Verify the patient’s prescription; check the expiration date; check for discoloration or impurities; verify form, route, and dose; and document the administration drug, dose, route, and time.

Medications have specific effects on the cells, organs, or body systems known as what?

physiological effects

What is the therapeutic effect that a drug will have called?

actions

What term defines how much of a drug should be given to a patient?

dose

What refers to the method by which a medication is given to or taken by a patient?

route

What is the term for a situation in which a drug should not be administered because of potential harm to the patient?

contraindications

List the twelve medications that an EMT may administer or help a patient to self-administer.

Activated charcoal, oral glucose, oxygen, aspirin, inhaled bronchodilators, nitroglycerin, epinephrine, naloxone, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM), and atropine.

What are the four types of names by which every drug is known?

Generic, chemical, trade (brand), and official.

What are the four routes by which an EMT may administer or assist with medications?

Oral, sublingual, inhalation, and injection.

List the eight medication forms mentioned in the curriculum.

Compressed powder or tablet, liquid for injection, gel, suspension, fine powder for inhalation, gas, spray, and liquid/vaporized fixed-dose nebulizer.

What are two common sources for gathering information about specific medications?

Any two from: American Hospital Formulary Service; AMA Drug Evaluation; Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR); package inserts; poison control centers; or EMS pocket drug reference guide.