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.