Pham day 1 part 1

Role of Advanced Practice Providers

  • Advanced practice providers (APPs) do the same job functions as registered nurses (RNs).

  • Skills learned in this class are foundational for future advanced practice roles.

Importance of Medical Jargon

  • Familiarity with medical terminology is crucial for effective communication within interdisciplinary teams, including doctors, respiratory therapists, and other nurses.

  • Failing to understand medical jargon can lead to struggles in communication and patient care.

Pharmacotherapeutics Overview

  • Pharmacotherapeutics refers to the use of drugs in treating diseases, necessitating respect due to the potential harm they can cause.

  • Emphasis on the critical need to understand timing, effects, and management of medications.

Risk Assessment

  • Nurses must assess risks associated with patients' conditions and medications.

  • Framing patient care involves recognizing the background disease processes and the implications of medication use, especially in postoperative situations.

Medication Naming Conventions

  • Generic names of drugs will be used in class as they are standardized and promoted.

  • Brand names are determined by marketing; they may sound appealing but lack clinical significance.

Scheduled Medications

  • Schedule I to V: Classification of drugs by the FDA based on abuse potential.

  • Understanding these schedules is important for managing prescriptions safely.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

  • OTC drugs are also influential in patient care; they can pose risks such as overlap with prescribed medications (like acetaminophen in cold and flu remedies).

  • Critical to inquire about patients' use of OTC drugs and educate them about risks, especially regarding potential overdoses.

Herbal Supplements and Safety Concerns

  • Herbal products like saw palmetto and turmeric may have anecdotal benefits but lack regulatory proof of efficacy.

  • It's important to evaluate whether these supplements harm patients and address misconceptions surrounding their use.

Medication Mechanisms of Action

  • Medications must be in solution for efficacy; the body's water composition facilitates chemical reactions.

  • Factors influencing drug action include:

    • Size and density of the drug molecules.

    • Concentration of the drug at the target site.

    • Temperature affecting reaction rates; a higher temperature can accelerate the immune response and medication efficacy, especially during fever.

Chemical Interaction and Drug Development

  • Interruption in chemical processes (e.g., in cascades involving anticoagulants) can hinder drug effectiveness or lead to inadequate responses in treatment.