Fundamentals Pharmacology Drug Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What should be done immediately after removing medication from its container?

  • Leave the container open to allow air circulation.
  • Replace the lid of the container immediately. (correct)
  • Place the medication on the counter.
  • Store the medication in a different container.
  • Why is it important not to take medication prescribed for another person?

  • It is often easier to obtain without prescription.
  • It is generally more expensive than your prescription.
  • It may not be effective for your specific condition.
  • It can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions. (correct)
  • Why should medications that require refrigeration be stored correctly?

  • To keep them out of direct light.
  • To maintain their efficacy and stability. (correct)
  • To ensure they do not freeze.
  • To prevent them from becoming too warm.
  • What is a possible consequence of adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision?

    <p>Medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can happen if a person abruptly discontinues their medication for seizure disorders?

    <p>It can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should healthcare professionals always be informed of?

    <p>Prior medical history and all allergies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary action of an agonist in drug receptor interaction?

    <p>Stimulates a receptor to produce a therapeutic effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phase of pharmacokinetics is primarily affected by the route of administration?

    <p>Absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could potentially lead to drug toxicity in a patient?

    <p>Taking a higher dosage than prescribed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does drug tolerance develop in patients?

    <p>It occurs due to decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main concern when patients don't comply with medication instructions?

    <p>It can lead to the return of infection and antibiotic resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a healthcare provider do to ensure patient understanding of medications?

    <p>Use lay language when describing medications and procedures.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the drug metabolism process?

    <p>The drug is converted into a more or less active form for excretion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is known to affect an individual’s drug response?

    <p>Age and physical health of the individual.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential risk of drug-drug interactions when drugs are combined?

    <p>They can create a cumulative effect leading to toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a prescription drug?

    <p>They may be harmful and require supervision.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which category of drugs has the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the U.S.?

    <p>Schedule 1</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of non-prescription drugs?

    <p>They are considered safe when followed by directions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How must controlled substances be obtained?

    <p>With a prescription or physician's order.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Category A indicate in drug safety during pregnancy?

    <p>No risk shown in human studies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately describes the pharmacokinetic phase of drug action?

    <p>It involves the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about narcotics is true?

    <p>They require documentation by another authorized individual when disposed of.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a drug's trade name signify?

    <p>It's the proprietary name or brand name of the drug.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of drugs are classified as having limited abuse potential?

    <p>Schedule 4 drugs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a generic drug name?

    <p>It is non-proprietary and not capitalized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Schedule IV indicate in terms of drug control?

    <p>Lower abuse potential with limited dependence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under the Controlled Substance Act, who is authorized to sign out narcotics?

    <p>Licensed nurses only.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which drug category indicates the highest risk during pregnancy?

    <p>Category X.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following drugs is classified as a Schedule I substance?

    <p>LSD.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key action required for unused narcotics under the Controlled Substance Act?

    <p>They must be wasted and witnessed by another nurse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of a drug's trade name?

    <p>It is a proprietary name that is registered and capitalized.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following categories of drugs is available without a prescription?

    <p>Non-prescription drugs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Category C indicate about a drug's use during pregnancy?

    <p>Risk not ruled out, but may be used if benefits outweigh risks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main concern regarding controlled substances and their effects?

    <p>They may cause dependence and respiratory issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which phase involves the drug being broken down from solid form into a form the body can absorb?

    <p>Pharmaceutic phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is necessary for a drug to have therapeutic effects in the bloodstream?

    <p>Only free drugs can exert therapeutic effects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes an anaphylaxis reaction to a drug?

    <p>A life-threatening allergic reaction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which phase does the drug undergo absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion?

    <p>Pharmacokinetic phase</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of drug interaction occurs when the combined effect of two drugs is greater than the sum of their separate effects?

    <p>Synergistic interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of drug non-compliance?

    <p>Development of drug resistance.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements accurately describes the action of antagonistic drugs?

    <p>They block or inhibit the function of receptors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main role of first-pass metabolism in drug action?

    <p>To reduce the concentration of the drug before it enters systemic circulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions can affect drug absorption?

    <p>Age and weight</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant effect of cumulative drug effects in patients?

    <p>Accumulation leading to potential toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Drug Naming Conventions

    • Drugs have different names: chemical, generic, official, and trade.
    • The chemical name is the scientific name, and the generic name is the non-proprietary name.
    • The official name is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the trade name is the proprietary name/brand name.
    • Example: Claritin’s chemical name is Loratadine, its generic name is Loratadine, its official name is Loratadine, and its trade name is Claritin.

    Drug Categories

    • Prescription drugs: Potentially harmful; must be supervised by a healthcare provider.
    • Non-prescription drugs: Also called over-the-counter (OTC), safe when taken as directed.
    • Controlled drugs: High potential for abuse and may cause addiction; categorized by schedules.
      • Schedule 1: High abuse potential with no accepted medical use in the U.S. (e.g., marijuana, heroin, LSD).
      • Schedule 2: High abuse potential with severe physical and psychological dependence (e.g., Demerol, fentanyl, oxycodone).
      • Schedule 3: Moderate abuse potential with moderate physical and psychological dependence (e.g., non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants).
      • Schedule 4: Lower abuse potential than Schedule 3 with limited dependence potential (e.g., anti-anxiety medicines, non-narcotic analgesics).
      • Schedule 5: Small amounts of narcotics in antitussives and some antivirals with limited abuse potential.

    Drug Administration and Safety

    • The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 regulates drugs with abuse potential.
    • Controlled substances must be obtained with a physician's order.
    • Narcotics must be signed out when removed from a locked box and double-locked area.
    • Only licensed nurses can sign out narcotics.
    • Unused narcotics must be witnessed and documented by another licensed nurse.
    • Drug abuse in pregnancy can lead to addiction in the newborn, and drugs are categorized by risk to the fetus.
    • Category A: No harm to the baby shown in studies.
    • Category B: No evidence of risk in humans, but some animal studies show risk.
    • Category C: Risk not ruled out, may be used if benefits outweigh risks.
    • Category D: Positive evidence of risk to human babies, may be used in life-threatening situations.
    • Category X: Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy, risk outweighs any potential benefits.

    Drug Action in the Body: Pharmacokinetics

    • Drugs go through three phases in the body: pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic.
    • The pharmaceutical phase is the dissolution of the drug; liquid and parenteral drugs skip this phase.
    • Pharmacokinetic phases:
      • Absorption: The process of making the drug available for use in the body.
      • Distribution: Circulation of the drug throughout the body.
      • Metabolism: The drug is changed into a more/less active form for excretion (also called biotransformation).
      • Excretion: Elimination of the drug from the body (mainly through the kidneys).
    • Drug Half-life: The time required for the body to eliminate 50% of a drug.
    • Onset, Peak, and Duration:
      • Onset: Time between administration and therapeutic effect.
      • Peak: Highest level of working drug in the body.
      • Duration: How long therapeutic effects continue.

    Drug Action and Effects: Pharmacodynamics

    • Drugs produce more than one effect, the primary effect is the therapeutic effect.
    • Secondary effects are other, desirable or undesirable effects (also called side effects).
    • Most drugs have target sites, where they reach and cause a change/effect.
    • Drugs exert actions by altering cell functions or altering cell environment.
    • Drug Receptor Interaction:
      • Agonist: Binds to the receptor and stimulates it to produce a therapeutic effect.
      • Antagonist: Blocks the function of a receptor by binding to it.

    Factors Affecting Drug Response

    • Age
    • Weight
    • Physical health
    • Psychological status
    • Environmental temperature
    • Gender
    • Amount of food in the stomach
    • Drug dosage form

    Drug Reactions

    • Adverse drug reaction: Undesirable effect that can be mild (side effect) or life-threatening (adverse effect).
    • Allergic drug reaction: Hypersensitivity reaction, can be mild or severe (anaphylaxis is a severe reaction).
    • Drug idiosyncrasy: An abnormal or unusual reaction to a drug.
    • Drug tolerance: Decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.
    • Cumulative drug effect: The buildup of drug levels in the body due to slow metabolism or excretion (can lead to toxicity).
    • Toxic reaction: Harmful reaction when the drug blood levels are above therapeutic range.

    Drug Interactions

    • Drug-drug interactions:
      • Additive effect: Combined effect is equal to the sum of individual drug effects.
      • Synergistic effect: Combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual drug effects.

    Drug Interactions

    • Diuretics like Lasix and Oxley can have a synergistic effect, where their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
    • Antagonistic drugs interfere with the action of another drug.
    • Commonly used antagonists include vitamin K for Coumadin, protamine sulfate for heparin, and Narcan for narcotics.
    • Drug absorption can be impacted by food and drinks, especially when taken on an empty stomach which leads to faster absorption.
    • Coumadin's therapeutic effect can be diminished by consuming green leafy vegetables as they contain vitamin K, which is the antagonist for Coumadin.

    Drug References

    • PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on available medications, including descriptions, dosages, and side effects.
    • Drug guides are readily available for nurses and can be a valuable resource for finding quick information about specific medications.
    • Pharmacists are excellent sources of information on drug interactions, dosages, and alternative medications.
    • Package inserts contain complete information about a specific medication, including warnings, precautions, and side effects.
    • While the internet can be a source of information, only use reputable websites for accurate medical information about medication.

    Patient Education

    • Create a conducive learning environment for patient education.
    • Prioritize the patient's questions and needs when providing information.
    • Break down complex information into smaller, manageable pieces.
    • Provide written materials for patients to refer to later.
    • Tailor teaching techniques to the patient's learning style.
    • Set specific objectives and expected outcomes for patient education.
    • Utilize return demonstrations to assess understanding and ensure mastery of skills.

    Medication Compliance

    • Patient education is key to medication compliance.
    • Failing to take a full course of antibiotics can lead to the return of the infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.
    • Non-compliance also includes taking too little or too much medication.
    • Explain the consequences of non-compliance to patients to encourage adherence.
    • Respect cultural and ethnic beliefs and values, but emphasize the need for informed decision-making about medication.

    Teaching Plan

    • Include the therapeutic response expected from the medication.
    • Explain potential adverse reactions.
    • Clearly state the dosage of medication, including frequency and route of administration.
    • Use lay language when describing medications and procedures.
    • Offer information about any special considerations, precautions.
    • Review any additional information necessary for safe and effective medication use.

    Safe Medication Practices

    • Never alter the dosage or frequency of a prescribed medication.
    • Always consult with the doctor before stopping medication.
    • Report any worsening symptoms to the healthcare provider.
    • Inform medical personnel of all allergies before treatment or administration of medications.
    • Never give medications prescribed for one person to another.
    • Store medications in their original container.
    • Dispose of all leftover medications appropriately as they can degrade over time.
    • Discard medications that change color or develop an odor.
    • Keep medications out of reach of children.
    • Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
    • Read the entire label and follow all recommendations.
    • Do not leave medications in the glove compartment of a car, especially during hot weather.
    • Keep medications in their original container and do not remove the original label.
    • Do not mix medications in one container, even for a short period of time.
    • Replace the lid of the container immediately after removing medication to prevent moisture from impacting the medication.
    • Always refrigerate medications that require refrigeration.
    • Store medications in a locked cabinet or drawer that children cannot access.
    • Be mindful of medication storage requirements, such as light-resistance or temperature control.

    Consequences of Non-Compliance

    • Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrent infection and antibiotic resistance.
    • Adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision can lead to medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.
    • Discontinuing medication abruptly, especially for conditions like seizures or diabetes, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
    • Taking medication prescribed for another person can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.
    • Healthcare professionals should be informed of all allergies, prior medical history, and medications being taken to prevent adverse reactions and drug interactions.

    Consequences of Non-Compliance

    • Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrent infection and antibiotic resistance.
    • Adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision can lead to medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.
    • Discontinuing medication abruptly, especially for conditions like seizures or diabetes, can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
    • Taking medication prescribed for another person can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.
    • Healthcare professionals should be informed of all allergies, prior medical history, and medications being taken to prevent adverse reactions and drug interactions.

    Drug Naming Conventions

    • Drugs have four different names: chemical, generic, official, and trade
    • The chemical name is the scientific name, and the generic name is the non-proprietary name.
    • The official name is listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and the trade name is the proprietary name/brand name.
    • Example: Claritin's chemical, generic, and official name is Loratadine, and its trade name is Claritin.

    Drug Categories

    • Prescription drugs are potentially harmful and require supervision by a healthcare provider.
    • Non-prescription drugs, also called over-the-counter (OTC), are considered safe when taken as directed.
    • Controlled drugs have a high potential for abuse and may cause addiction.
      • Schedule 1 drugs have the highest potential for abuse with no accepted medical use in the U.S. (e.g., marijuana, heroin, LSD).
      • Schedule 2 drugs have a high abuse potential with severe physical and psychological dependence (e.g., Demerol, fentanyl, oxycodone).
      • Schedule 3 drugs have a moderate abuse potential with moderate physical and psychological dependence (e.g., non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants).
      • Schedule 4 drugs have a lower abuse potential than Schedule 3 with limited dependence potential (e.g., anti-anxiety medicines, non-narcotic analgesics).
      • Schedule 5 drugs have the lowest abuse potential and include small amounts of narcotics in antitussives and some antivirals.

    Drug Administration and Safety

    • The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 regulates the use of drugs with a potential for abuse.
    • Controlled substances must be obtained with a physician's order.
    • Narcotics must be signed out when removed from a locked box and double-locked area.
    • Only licensed nurses can sign out narcotics.
    • Unused narcotics must be witnessed and documented by another licensed nurse.
    • Drug abuse in pregnancy can lead to addiction in the newborn.
      • Category A: No harm to the baby in studies.
      • Category B: No evidence of risk in humans, but some animal studies show risk.
      • Category C: Risk not ruled out, may be used if benefits outweigh risks.
      • Category D: Positive evidence of risk to human babies, may be used in life-threatening situations.
      • Category X: Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy, risk outweighs any potential benefits.

    Drug Action in the Body: Pharmacokinetics

    • Drugs go through three phases in the body: pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic.
    • The pharmaceutical phase is the dissolution of the drug; liquid and parenteral drugs skip this phase.
      • Absorption: The process of making the drug available for use in the body.
      • Distribution: Circulation of the drug throughout the body.
      • Metabolism: The drug is changed into a more or less active form for excretion (also called biotransformation).
      • Excretion: Elimination of the drug from the body (mainly through the kidneys).
      • Drug Half-life: The time required for the body to eliminate 50% of a drug.
      • Onset, Peak, and Duration:
        • Onset: Time between administration and therapeutic effect.
        • Peak: Highest level of working drug in the body.
        • Duration: How long therapeutic effects continue.

    Drug Action and Effects: Pharmacodynamics

    • Drugs produce more than one effect, the primary effect is the therapeutic effect.
    • Secondary effects are other, desirable or undesirable effects (also called side effects).
    • Most drugs have target sites, where they reach and cause a change or effect.
    • Drugs exert actions by altering cell functions or altering cell environment.
      • Agonist: Binds to the receptor and stimulates it to produce a therapeutic effect
      • Antagonist: Blocks the function of a receptor by binding to it.

    Factors Affecting Drug Response

    • Age
    • Weight
    • Physical health
    • Psychological status
    • Environmental temperature
    • Gender
    • Amount of food in the stomach
    • Drug dosage form

    Drug Reactions

    • Adverse drug reaction: Undesirable effect that can be mild (side effect) or life-threatening (adverse effect).
    • Allergic drug reaction: Hypersensitivity reaction, can be mild or severe (anaphylaxis is a severe reaction).
    • Drug idiosyncrasy: An abnormal or unusual reaction to a drug.
    • Drug tolerance: Decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.
    • Cumulative drug effect: The buildup of drug levels in the body due to slow metabolism or excretion (can lead to toxicity).
    • Toxic reaction: Harmful reaction when the drug blood levels are above therapeutic range.

    Drug Interactions

    • Drug-drug interactions:
      • Additive effect: Combined effect is equal to the sum of individual drug effects.
      • Synergistic effect: Combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual drug effects.
      • Antagonistic effect: One drug interferes with the action of another drug.

    Drug Interactions

    • Diuretics like Lasix and Oxley can have a synergistic effect where the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects.
    • Commonly used antagonists include vitamin K for Coumadin, protamine sulfate for heparin, and Narcan for narcotics.
    • Drug absorption can be impacted by food and drinks, especially when taken on an empty stomach, which leads to faster absorption.
    • Coumadin's therapeutic effect can be diminished by consuming green leafy vegetables as they contain vitamin K, which is the antagonist for Coumadin.

    Drug References

    • PDR (Physician's Desk Reference) is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on available medications, including descriptions, dosages, and side effects.
    • Drug guides are readily available for nurses and can be a valuable resource for finding quick information about specific medications.
    • Pharmacists are excellent sources of information on drug interactions, dosages, and alternative medications.
    • Package inserts contain complete information about a specific medication, including warnings, precautions, and side effects.
    • While the internet can be a source of information, only use reputable websites for accurate medical information about medication.

    Patient Education

    • Create a conducive learning environment for patient education.
    • Prioritize the patient's questions and needs when providing information.
    • Break down complex information into smaller, manageable pieces.
    • Provide written materials for patients to refer to later.
    • Tailor teaching techniques to the patient's learning style.
    • Set specific objectives and expected outcomes for patient education.
    • Utilize return demonstrations to assess understanding and ensure mastery of skills.

    Medication Compliance

    • Patient education is key to medication compliance.
    • Failing to take a full course of antibiotics can lead to the return of the infection and the development of antibiotic resistance.
    • Non-compliance also includes taking too little or too much medication.
    • Explain the consequences of non-compliance to patients to encourage adherence.
    • Respect cultural and ethnic beliefs and values, but emphasize the need for informed decision-making about medication

    Teaching Plan

    • Include the therapeutic response expected from the medication.
    • Explain potential adverse reactions.
    • Clearly state the dosage of medication, including frequency and route of administration.
    • Use lay language when describing medications and procedures.
    • Offer information about any special considerations, precautions.
    • Review any additional information necessary for safe and effective medication use.

    Safe Medication Practices

    • Never alter the dosage or frequency of a prescribed medication.
    • Always consult with the doctor before stopping medication.
    • Report any worsening symptoms to the healthcare provider.
    • Inform medical personnel of all allergies before treatment or administration of medications.
    • Never give medications prescribed for one person to another.
    • Store medications in their original container.
    • Dispose of all leftover medications appropriately as they can degrade over time.
    • Discard medications that change color or develop an odor.
    • Keep medications out of reach of children.
    • Store medications in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
    • Read the entire label and follow all recommendations.
    • Do not leave medications in the glove compartment of a car, especially during hot weather.
    • Keep medications in their original container and do not remove the original label.
    • Do not mix medications in one container, even for a short period of time.
    • Replace the lid of the container immediately after removing medication to prevent moisture from impacting the medication.
    • Always refrigerate medications that require refrigeration.
    • Store medications in a locked cabinet or drawer that children cannot access.
    • Be mindful of medication storage requirements, such as light-resistance or temperature control.

    Consequences of Non-Compliance

    • Stopping antibiotics early can lead to recurrent infections and antibiotic resistance.
    • Adjusting medication dosage without medical supervision can lead to medication inefficacy or adverse outcomes.
    • Discontinuing medication abruptly, especially for conditions like seizures or diabetes, can be dangerous and even life-threatening
    • Taking medication prescribed for another person can lead to serious side effects or drug interactions.
    • Healthcare professionals should be informed of all allergies, prior medical history, and medications being taken to prevent adverse reactions and drug interactions.

    Drug Names

    • Chemical name - Scientific name of a drug, rarely used.
    • Generic name - Non-proprietary name, shorter, not capitalized.
    • Official name - Listed in the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and National Formulary (NF), may be the same as the generic name.
    • Trade name - Proprietary, brand name, capitalized, registered trademark.

    Drug Categories

    • Prescription drugs - Require a prescription, potentially harmful, supervised by a healthcare provider.
    • Non-prescription drugs (OTC) - Available without a prescription, generally safe when taken as directed.
    • Controlled substances - High potential for abuse, may cause dependence, categorized into five schedules based on abuse potential:
      • Schedule I - High abuse potential, not accepted for medical use in the U.S., e.g., marijuana, LSD, heroin.
      • Schedule II - High abuse potential, severe physical and/or psychological dependence, e.g., Demerol, Methadone, Oxycodone.
      • Schedule III - Moderate abuse potential, moderate physical and/or psychological dependence, e.g., non-barbiturate sedatives, non-amphetamine stimulants.
      • Schedule IV - Lower abuse potential, limited dependence, e.g., anti-anxiety medications, non-narcotic analgesics.
      • Schedule V - Limited abuse potential, small amounts of narcotics, e.g., codeine in cough medicine, some antivirals.

    Controlled Substance Act of 1970

    • Regulates drugs with potential for abuse.
    • Obtaining controlled substances requires a physician's order.
    • All narcotics must be signed out when removed from the locked box.
    • Only licensed nurses can sign out narcotics.
    • Unused narcotics must be wasted and witnessed by another licensed nurse, both must sign the narcotics sheet.
    • Monitor therapeutic and adverse effects of controlled substances, especially those affecting the respiratory system.

    Drug Use During Pregnancy

    • Medications can cause teratogenic events (birth defects).
    • Drugs are categorized according to risk to pregnancy:
      • Category A - No risk found in studies.
      • Category B - No risk in humans, potential risk in animals.
      • Category C - Risk not ruled out, but may be used if benefits outweigh risks.
      • Category D - Positive risk to human babies, used only in life-threatening situations.
      • Category X - Contraindicated in pregnancy, risk outweighs any benefits.
    • Drug abuse during pregnancy can lead to addiction in the newborn.

    Drug Activity in the Body

    • Drugs undergo three phases: pharmaceutic, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics.
    • Pharmaceutic phase (dissolution) - The drug is broken down from solid form into a form the body can absorb.
      • Liquids and parenteral drugs skip this phase as they are already in a liquid form.
      • Enteric-coated medications are designed to break down in the small intestine, not the stomach.
    • Pharmacokinetic phase (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion):
      • Absorption - The process by which the drug enters the bloodstream.
        • Active transport - Requires energy to move drugs from low to high concentration.
        • Passive transport - Does not require energy.
        • Pinocytosis - Drug is engulfed by a cell to be used.
        • First-pass metabolism - After absorption, the drug goes to the liver first, where it is metabolized.
      • Distribution - Drug is transported throughout the body via circulation.
        • Distribution depends on blood flow, protein binding, and drug solubility.
        • Protein-bound drugs - Drugs bound to proteins in the blood. Only free drugs can have therapeutic effects.
      • Metabolism (Biotransformation) - Drug is changed into a less active form to be excreted.
        • Primarily occurs in the liver.
      • Excretion - Elimination of the drug from the body.
        • Primarily occurs via the kidneys.
          • Other routes include sweat, breath, feces.
    • Pharmacodynamic - Drug actions and effects on the body.
      • Therapeutic effect - The desired effect of the drug.
      • Secondary effect - All other effects, desirable or undesirable, known as side effects.
      • Target sites - Specific organs or tissues that drugs act upon.
      • Mechanisms of action:
        • Altering cell function - Changing how cells work.
        • Altering state or environment - Creating a change in the environment around cells.
        • Drug-receptor interaction:
          • Agonist - Drug binds to a receptor and stimulates it.
          • Antagonist - Drug binds to a receptor and blocks its function.
        • Receptor-mediated effects - The number of receptors occupied determines the response.

    Factors Affecting Drug Response

    • Age
    • Weight
    • Physical health
    • Psychological status
    • Environmental temperature
    • Gender
    • Amount of food in the stomach

    Drug Reactions

    • Adverse reaction - Undesirable drug effect.
    • Side effect - Mild adverse effect.
    • Adverse effect - Life-threatening adverse effect.
    • Allergic drug reaction (hypersensitivity reaction) - Immune system response to a drug.
    • Anaphylaxis - Severe allergic reaction, life-threatening.
    • Angioedema - Swelling of tissues, particularly in the eyelids, lips, mouth, and throat.
    • Drug idiosyncrasy - Unusual or abnormal reaction to a drug.
    • Drug tolerance - Decreased therapeutic response requiring increased dosage.
    • Cumulative drug effect - Drug accumulates in the body due to poor metabolism or excretion, leading to a toxic level.
    • Toxic reaction - Harmful reaction due to excessive drug levels.

    Drug Interactions

    • Drug-drug interactions - Interaction of one drug with another.
      • Additive - Combined effect of two drugs equals the sum of their separate effects.
      • Synergistic - Combined effect is greater than the sum of the separate effects.
      • Pharmacokinetic interactions - One drug affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or excretion of another drug.
      • Pharmacodynamic interactions - Two drugs interact to produce an effect on the same or different target sites.

    Antagonistic Drugs

    • Vitamin K antagonizes Coumadin (blood thinner).
    • Protamine Sulfate antagonizes Heparin (blood thinner).
    • Narcan antagonizes Narcotics.
    • Narcan is now carried by police officers to reverse opioid overdose.

    Drug Interactions

    • Coumadin interacts with vitamin K found in leafy green vegetables.
    • Drug absorption can be affected by taking medication on an empty stomach.

    Drug References

    • PDR (Physicians' Desk Reference) is a comprehensive drug reference book.
    • Drug guides are available for nurses to reference medications.
    • Package inserts provide detailed information about medications.
    • Reputable internet sources can provide information about medications.

    Patient Education

    • Create a conducive learning environment for patient education.
    • Start with the patient's questions and then provide additional information.
    • Break information down into smaller pieces.
    • Provide written information for patients to refer to later.
    • Use teaching techniques appropriate to the patient's learning style.
    • Include specific objectives and outcomes for patient education.
    • Review previously covered information.
    • Allow for return demonstrations.

    Medication Compliance

    • Non-compliance can result in the return of an infection.
    • Non-compliance can lead to drug resistance, such as superbugs.
    • Taking too little or too much medication is a common problem.
    • Cultural beliefs may influence medication compliance.
    • Explain the consequences of non-compliance.

    Important Patient Education Information

    • Therapeutic response expected from medication.
    • Adverse reactions to expect.
    • Adverse reactions to report to the healthcare provider.
    • Dosage of medication.
    • Route of administration.
    • Special considerations or precautions.

    General Medication Information

    • Never mix medications in one container.
    • Replace the cap on medication containers immediately.
    • Refrigerate medication if required.
    • Store medication out of reach of children.
    • Store medication in a cool, dry place.
    • Read the entire label and follow recommendations.
    • Dispose of leftover medications.
    • Never share medications with others.
    • Be aware of the consequences of taking unprescribed medication.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on drug naming conventions and categories. Explore the differences between chemical, generic, official, and trade names, as well as the classification of drugs into prescription, non-prescription, and controlled substances. This quiz will help clarify essential pharmaceutical concepts.

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