funds chap 30- meds

1. Discuss drug legislation in the United States.

• Pure Food and Drug Act (1906): First law to regulate drug quality and labeling.

• Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (1938): Required safety testing before marketing.

• Controlled Substances Act (1970): Classified drugs into five schedules based on abuse potential.

• FDA (Food and Drug Administration): Regulates drug approval, safety, and marketing.

• DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration): Monitors controlled substances and drug enforcement.

2. Describe basic principles of pharmacology, including drug nomenclature and types of drug preparations.

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their effects on the body.

• Drug Nomenclature:

  • Chemical Name – Describes the drug’s chemical structure.

  • Generic Name – Official name, not owned by any company (e.g., acetaminophen).

  • Trade Name – Brand name given by the manufacturer (e.g., Tylenol).

• Types of Drug Preparations:

  • Oral (tablet, capsule, syrup)

  • Topical (cream, patch)

  • Parenteral (IV, IM, SC)

  • Inhalation (inhaler, nebulizer)

3. Develop an understanding of basic principles of pharmacology:

Mechanisms of Drug Action:

• Pharmacokinetics – How the body acts on a drug (ADME):

  • Absorption – How the drug enters the bloodstream.

  • Distribution – How the drug is transported to tissues.

  • Metabolism – How the body breaks down the drug (liver).

  • Excretion – How the drug is removed from the body (kidneys).

• Pharmacodynamics – How the drug affects the body:

  • Receptor binding → cellular response.

Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs):

• Allergic effect – Immune response (rash, hives).

• Anaphylactic reaction – Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, hypotension).

• Idiosyncratic effect – Unusual or unexpected reaction.

• Toxic effects – Harmful effects due to drug buildup.

• Drug tolerance – Decreased response over time.

Factors Affecting Drug Action:

• Age, weight, genetics, sex, organ function, interactions with other drugs.

4. Discuss principles of medication administration:

Medication Orders:

• PRN order – Given as needed.

• Stat order – Given immediately.

• Routine order – Given at regular intervals.

• Single order – Given once.

Dosage Calculations:

• Ensure accuracy using dimensional analysis or ratio/proportion.

Medication Safety:

• "Rights" of Medication Administration:

  • Right patient

  • Right drug

  • Right dose

  • Right route

  • Right time

  • Right documentation

5. Obtain patient information necessary to establish a medication history.

• Current medications

• Allergies

• Past adverse reactions

• OTC medications and supplements

• Substance use history

6. Describe principles used to prepare and administer medications safely:

Oral:

• Swallowed, absorbed in the GI tract.

• Ensure patient can swallow; do not crush extended-release tablets.

Parenteral:

• Intramuscular (IM): Into muscle (90-degree angle).

• Subcutaneous (SC): Into fat layer (45-degree angle).

• Intradermal: Into the dermis (15-degree angle).

• Intravenous (IV): Directly into bloodstream.

Topical:

• Apply to skin or mucous membranes.

• Avoid contact with open wounds unless indicated.

Inhalation:

• Absorbed through lungs (rapid effect).

7. Use a systematic process for medication administration (Nursing Process):

• Assessment: Patient history, allergies, lab values.

• Diagnosis: Identify potential medication issues.

• Planning: Identify goals and outcomes.

• Implementation: Administer medication using the "Rights" of administration.

• Evaluation: Assess patient response and side effects.

8. Develop teaching plans to meet patient needs for medication administration:

• Purpose of medication

• How and when to take it

• Side effects to report

• Drug interactions

• Storage and handling

Key Concepts:

• Addiction: Dependence on a substance (physical/psychological).

• Pharmacology: Study of drugs and their actions.

• Clinical Decision Making: Judging the best course of action based on patient needs.

• Safety: Following protocols to avoid medication errors.

Key Terms: