Pharmacology and Patient Care Exam Review

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on key terms and concepts discussed in the pharmacology and patient care lecture.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of the action of drugs within the body, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of how a drug acts on a living organism, focusing on the pharmacologic response and its relationship to drug concentration.

Excretion

The process of eliminating substances by body organs or tissues as part of natural metabolic activity.

Biochemistry

The study of chemical substances and processes occurring in living organisms and their changes during development and life.

Synergism

The effect of two medications being greater than the sum of their individual effects when given together.

Bioavailability

The degree to which an administered drug becomes available for activity in the target tissue.

Biotransformation

The chemical changes a substance undergoes in the body, often through the action of enzymes.

Potency

A term used to compare doses of two medications in producing the same effect.

Antagonist

A drug that diminishes or eradicates the physiologic effect of an agonist.

Agonist

A drug that produces a desired physiologic effect by binding to receptors.

Breach of duty

Failure to provide a level of care dictated by local EMS policies or protocols.

Causation

The reasonable connection between a defendant's actions and the injury or damage suffered by the plaintiff.

Negligence

Failure to meet the accepted standard of care, causing injury to a patient.

Osmotic pressure

The minimum pressure required to stop the inward flow of solvent across a semipermeable membrane.

Hydrostatic pressure

The force exerted by fluids against capillary walls, pushing water and nutrients into surrounding tissue.

Enteral administration

Drug delivery via the gastrointestinal tract, such as oral or rectal routes.

Parenteral administration

Any route of drug administration other than through the GI tract.

Right patient

Ensuring the medication is intended for the correct individual.

Right drug and indication

Confirming the correct medication name and reason for administration.

Right dose

Verifying dose, concentration, and rate of drug administration.

Right route

The specific method of drug administration such as oral, IV, IM, etc.

Right time

Administering medication at appropriate times and intervals.

Right education

Informing the patient about the medication name and purpose prior to administration.

Right to refuse

Respecting a patient's consent to refuse medication.

Class I antiarrhythmic

Sodium channel blockers that slow impulse conduction.

Class II antiarrhythmic

Beta blockers that reduce sympathetic stimulation and heart rate.

Class III antiarrhythmic

Potassium channel blockers that prolong repolarization.

Class IV antiarrhythmic

Calcium channel blockers that slow AV node conduction.

Glucagon

A medication used in anaphylaxis for patients on beta blockers who do not respond to epinephrine.