Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Quiz

Study Notes

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Movement of a substance from its site of administration, across body membranes, to circulating fluids
Distribution: Transportation of medications to sites of action by bodily fluids
Metabolism: Process of chemically converting a drug to a form that is usually more easily removed from the body
Excretion: Drugs are removed from the body via the kidneys

Mechanism of Drugs

Agonist:
Partial Agonist:
Antagonist:

Factors Influencing Pharmacotherapy

Age:
Therapeutic Index:
Prescription/Order Component:
- Patient’s full name
- Date/Time
- Name of medication (generic or brand)
- Strength and dosage of medication
- Route of administration
- Time and frequency of administration
- Quantity to dispense and number of refills
- Signature of the prescribing provider

Order Types

STAT:
ASAP:
Single:
PRN:
Routine:
Standing:

Respiratory

Advantages/Disadvantages of Inhalation Route

Advantages:
Disadvantages:

Antihistamines

Mechanism of Action: Block actions of histamine at H1 receptor
Adverse Effects:
Nursing Considerations:
H1-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS (ANTIHISTAMINES):
- Chemical mediator of inflammation
- Released from mast cells and basophils
- Responsible for many of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Examples:
  - First Generation: diphendramine (Benadryl)
  - Second Generation: fexofenadine (Allegra); loratadine (Claritin); cetirizine (Zyrtec)

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Adverse Effects:
Patient Education:
Prototype Drug: Fluticasone (Flonase)
Therapeutic Class: Drug for allergic rhinitis
Pharmacologic Class: Intranasal corticosteroids
Actions and Use:
- Decrease secretion of inflammatory mediator
- Reduce tissue edema
- Cause mild vasoconstriction
- Treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis
Nursing Considerations:
- Teach patients proper administration techniques

Mucolytics

Actions and Use:
- Directly loosen THICK, viscous bronchial secretions
- Break down chemical structure of mucus molecules
- Mucus becomes thinner and can be removed more easily by coughing
- Trigger bronchospasm
- Treatment of Cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic bronchitis
- Inhalation route, not OTC
Prototype Drug: acetylcysteine
Therapeutic Class:
Pharmacologic Class:
Fun Fact: Antidote for acetaminophen OD

Cough Suppressants

Actions and Use:
- Dampens cough reflex
- Used for coughs due to allergies or common cold
- Do not use for emphysema, bronchitis, liquid aspiration
- Opioids: MOST effective
- Acts by raising cough threshold in CNS
- Codeine and Hydrocodone in VERY LOW DOSES
- SCHEDULE V
Non-Opioids:
- Mild cough, OTC
- Act by raising cough threshold in CNS
- Adverse Effects:
  - Hallucinations
  - Slurred speech
  - Dizziness
  - Drowsiness
  - Lack of motor coordination
- Potential for Abuse (TEENs)
- Prototype Drug: Dextromethorphan (Delsym, Robitussin DM)
- Therapeutic Class: Cough suppressant
- Pharmacologic Class: Antitussives
- Actions and Uses:
  - Acts in the medulla
  - Act by raising cough threshold in CNS
- Contraindications:
  - Chronic cough due to excessive bronchial secretions
  - Such as in asthma, smoking, and emphysema
- FDA: Extreme caution in all children
- Interactions:
  - Alcohol
  - CNS depressants
- Nursing Considerations:

Description

Test your knowledge of pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, as well as pharmacodynamics, including agonists, partial agonists, and antagonists. Learn how age and therapeutic index influence pharmacotherapy.