Chapter 12 (Perioperative Pharmacology)

Pharmacology

The study of drugs, including their properties, effects, and uses in medicine.

Drug

Any substance intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, relief, treatment, or prevention of disease.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body.

Pharmacodynamics

The study of the physiological effects of drugs and their mechanisms of action.

Drug Errors

Mistakes in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that can lead to harm.

Seven Rights of Medication Administration

The rights ensuring safe medication delivery: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right reason, right documentation.

Controlled Substances

Drugs regulated by law due to their potential for abuse or dependence.

Generic Name

The formulary name of a drug assigned by the U.S. Adopted Names Council, representing the chemical structure.

Trade Name

The proprietary name given to a drug by its manufacturer for marketing purposes.

Prescription

A written order from a licensed healthcare provider for the preparation and administration of a drug.

Adverse Reaction

An unexpected harmful reaction to a drug that occurs at normal doses.

Intravenous (IV) Administration

Injection of a drug directly into a vein.

Oral Administration

Ingestion of medication via the mouth.

Topical Administration

Application of a drug to the skin or mucous membranes.

Drug Label

Information affixed to a drug package detailing its use, dosage, and potential side effects.

Drug Categories

Groups of drugs classified based on their therapeutic actions, mechanisms, or chemical structures.

Unit Systems of Measurement

Standards used for measuring drug dosages, including metric, apothecary, and household systems.

Therapeutic Window

The range of doses of a drug that produces therapeutic effects without causing toxicity.

Medication Process

The series of steps involved in prescribing, preparing, administering, and monitoring drugs.

CNS Agents

Drugs that affect the central nervous system to alter mood, perception, or consciousness.

Emergency Drugs

Medications that are readily available for use in emergency situations to treat life-threatening conditions.