Pharmacology and Medication Administration Flashcards

The Seven Rights of Medication Administration: These are critical protocols used to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors.
- One of the Seven Rights refers specifically to Right Technique, which dictates the manner and method by which the medication is administered.
- Note: "Right Provider" is not considered one of the Seven Rights.
Dispense as Written (DAW): If a healthcare provider marks a prescription with the "DAW" designation, it specifies that only the exact medication prescribed may be given to the patient, with no substitutions allowed.
Needle Safety and Disposal: After an injection has been administered, a needle should never be recapped. This protocol is essential for preventing accidental needle-stick injuries.
Medical Office Emergency Kits: These kits contain essential medications for immediate stabilization. However, an emergency kit is least likely to include Penicillin compared to other life-saving drugs.

Intradermal (ID): These injections are administered at a shallow angle just under the dermis of the skin. They are primarily utilized for allergy testing and tuberculin (TB) testing.
Intramuscular (IM): This route involves injecting medication into muscular tissue. This method is chosen to achieve a delayed absorption of the medication into the bloodstream.
- Note: Medical assistants do not typically administer medications via the Intravenous (IV) route.
Subcutaneous: This injection is delivered into the adipose (fatty) tissue located just below the cutaneous skin layer.
Sublingual: Medication is placed under the tongue, where it is absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes.
Buccal: This method involves placing or spraying the medication in the mouth between the gum and the cheek.
Inhalation: Medication is breathed in through either the nose or the mouth.
Vaginal: Medication is delivered directly into the vaginal vault through the manual insertion of an applicator.
Intrathecal: Medication is delivered directly into the spinal canal via injection or infusion.
Otic: Medication is delivered into the ear canal.
Transdermal: Medication is delivered over time via an adhesive patch placed on the skin.
Intranasal: Medication is administered through the nares (nostrils).
Topical: Medication is applied directly onto the surface of the skin.
Intravenous (IV): Delivery of medication directly into a vein through injection or infusion.

The Z-Track Method (IM): This technique is used to prevent the leakage of medication into the subcutaneous tissue.
- If blood appears in the syringe during aspiration (indicating the needle has entered a blood vessel), you should pull the needle out at the exact angle of entry.
- After expelling the medication, the needle should be removed quickly, and the skin should be let go of quickly to seal the track.
Vastus Lateralis: This is the mid-portion of the thigh. It is the preferred injection site for infants and young children.
Ventrogluteal: This site is the lateral, outside position of the hip.
Dorsogluteal: This site is located in the upper, outer portion of the hip.
Deltoid: This site is located in the upper, outer arm.

Diuretics: These medications increase the production of urine and decrease circulating fluid volume. They function by increasing renal blood flow to improve filtration and by decreasing the reabsorption of sodium.
Antidepressants:
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: An example is isocarboxazid (Marplan).
Anti-inflammatory Drugs: These treat pain and swelling. Common examples include naproxen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
Antiemetics: Used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. They work by blocking the effects of dopamine, serotonin, or histamine release.
Antiarrhythmics: These medications maintain the cardiac electrical rhythm through the balance of chemical activity.
Contraceptives: Examples include Enovid-E 21, Ortho-Novum 10/11–21, Ortho-Novum 10/11–28, and Triphasil-21.
Antitussives: These decrease the cough reflex by acting on both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Expectorants: These medications thin the mucus, making it easier for a patient to cough up secretions and clear their airway.

Schedule II Controlled Substances: Morphine is classified as a Schedule II drug, indicating a high potential for abuse but with accepted medical uses.
Anaphylactic shock: This is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Medication should only be administered to patients when a provider is available nearby to respond to such an event.
Varicella Zoster: This virus is more commonly known as Chicken Pox.

Weight Conversion: To convert pounds to kilograms, the approximate weight in kilograms for a person weighing $125\,lb$ is calculated as follows:
- $125\,lb \approx 56.82\,kg$
Dosage Calculation (Elixir):
- Prescribed Dosage: $1500\,mg$ of Benadryl elixir.
- Supply Available: $500\,mg$ per $25\,mL$ .
- Calculation: $\frac{1500\,mg}{500\,mg} \times 25\,mL = 3 \times 25\,mL = 75\,mL$
- Result: The patient should be given $75\,mL$ of the elixir.

Acupuncture: This practice involves using extremely thin, sterilized needles. These needles are sometimes electrified with low voltage and are inserted at specific points along a network of 12 body meridians (channels) to connect the organs to the skin.
Aromatherapy: A treatment modality that utilizes essential oils extracted from plants to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Massage: This approach uses the hands to manipulate muscles and soft tissue. It is considered a powerful method for treating stress-related conditions (such as insomnia, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome) as well as health conditions like sciatica and depression.
Homeopathy: A system of medicine that is approximately 200 years old, based on the principle known as the "Law of Similars."
Naturopathy: A multidisciplinary approach to healthcare based on the fundamental belief that the body possesses the inherent power to heal itself.
Yoga: A discipline incorporating breath control, meditation, and stretching and strengthening exercises. It is designed to promote mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.