Chapter 12 (Perioperative Pharmacology)
Introduction to Surgical Technology
Overview of Health Tech Academy's guide for aspiring Surgical Technologists.
Chapter 12: Pharmacology Basics
Objectives
Identify drug sources and resources.
Understand drug regulation, naming, and formulation.
Interpret drug labels and prevent drug errors.
Apply the seven rights of medication administration.
Recognize prescription elements and manage drugs on the sterile field.
Convert measurements accurately and describe drug delivery devices.
Understand the surgical technologist's role and various drug administration routes.
Explain pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
12.1 Introduction to Pharmacology
Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their effects on biological systems.
A drug: Any substance for diagnosis, cure, treatment, prevention, or alteration of body function.
Importance of regulations for public safety regarding drug use.
Role of surgical technologists in drug handling and process.
12.2 Sources of Drugs
Derived from:
Natural sources (plants, minerals, animals).
Synthetic sources (chemically created in labs).
Example: Barium used in diagnostic imaging.
Modern drugs often mimic natural substances but are modified for safety.
12.3 Drug Information Resources
Essential textbooks and online resources:
United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary (USP-NF): Comprehensive listing of drugs and their specifications.
Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR): Annual resource detailing medications and their uses.
Useful online information includes FDA guidelines and medication safety.
12.4 Regulation of Drugs
Drug Control Overview
State practice acts regulate prescription and administration.
FDA oversees federal regulations ensuring safety and efficacy of drugs.
Importance of complying with the latest state laws in drug handling.
Controlled Substances
Classified into schedules based on potential for abuse:
Schedule I: No accepted medical use, high abuse risk.
Schedule II: Accepted medical use with restrictions.
Schedule III-V: Varying potential for abuse and accepted medical use.
Herbal compounds: Regulated as supplements, not pharmaceuticals.
12.5 Drug Nomenclature
Drugs identified by chemical formula, trade name, and generic name.
Generic vs. Trade Name: Generic names reduce confusion; synthetic equivalents are cheaper and equally effective.
Importance of using generic names for clarity.
12.6 Drug Labels
Must comply with FDA regulations covering:
Drug identification
Dosage information
Expiration dates
Various formulations (tablets, injections) for efficiency and safety in delivery.
12.7 How Drugs Work
Pharmacokinetics
Examines drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Bioavailability: Portion of drug reaching the target tissue.
Therapeutic Window: Range of effective dosage without toxicity.
Pharmacodynamics
Interaction of drug with body receptors influencing physiological responses.
Distinction between agonists (activate) and antagonists (block) at receptors.
12.8 Unit Systems of Measurement
Importance of accurate dosing in drug administration.
Historical systems used: Metric, Apothecary, and Household (now rare).
Current system primarily metric, emphasizing the need for precision in medical settings.
12.9 Devices for Drug Preparation and Delivery
Specialized tools (syringes, needles, dispensers) for drug delivery.
Luer-Lok for high-pressure infusions, safety features to prevent injuries.
Understanding syringe calibration is crucial for correct dosage.
12.10 Drug Packaging
Purpose: Protect from contamination, facilitate dispensing, ensure sustainability.
Use of glass vials, ampoules, and pouches for safe drug storage and handling.
Strict aseptic techniques must be followed in the operating field.
12.11 The Medication Process
Steps Involved
Prescription issuance by authorized personnel.
Drug preparation by the circulating nurse.
Transfer and labeling by the scrub.
Administration by the surgeon and assessment by the team.
Documentation of administration details.
12.12 Prescriptions and Drug Orders
Essential components: patient details, drug information, timing, and administration route.
Importance of clarity in drug orders to prevent errors.
12.13 Drug Preparation and Transfer
Protocols in handling drugs before surgery to prevent errors and ensure patient safety.
Essential notes on drug labeling, monitoring doses, and reporting.
12.14 Drug Administration
Routes include parenteral, oral, topical, and inhalation, each determined by drug properties and patient condition.
Monitoring for adverse reactions post-administration is vital.
12.15 Preventing Drug Errors
Critical Factors
Importance of verifying the right drug, patient, dose, route, time, indication, and documentation (the seven rights).
Guidelines for drug handling and environment considerations to minimize errors.
12.16 Surgical Drugs
Use of local anesthetics and blood products in surgical settings.
Detailed classifications and specific handling instructions for safety.
12.17 Haemostatic Agents
Mechanisms and classifications enhancing clotting processes during surgeries.
12.18 Anticoagulants and Thrombolytics
Managing clotting and dissolving clots effectively during medical emergencies.
Conclusion
The surgical technologist plays a key role in the drug administration process, emphasizing accuracy, regulation adherence, and proactive communication with the healthcare team to ensure patient safety.