Questions and Answers
Pain and stress can decrease the amount of drug absorbed because of the autonomic response to ______.
pain
The drug distribution is the process by which the drug is delivered from the systemic circulation to body ______ or target cells.
tissues
Biotransformation is the process by which a drug is enzymatically converted to a simpler compound or ______.
deactivated
The most important excretion routes are through the kidney and ______.
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Most drugs are eliminated in the ______, so elimination is highly influenced by its function.
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Kinetics means 'movement' and deals with a drug’s actions as it moves through the ______.
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The ______ effect occurs when the drug is exerting its maximum effect.
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Absorption covers a drug’s progress from the time it’s administered until it reaches ______ circulation.
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The condition of the ______ can affect drug absorption by metabolizing much of the drug before it enters circulation.
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Increased blood flow to the absorption site improves drug ______.
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Study Notes
Pharmacokinetics Overview
- Kinetics refers to the movement and action of drugs through the body.
- Involves four main processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME).
Absorption
- Absorption is how a drug enters the bloodstream after administration.
- All administration routes, excluding intravenous, require absorption.
- Onset of action is the time for a drug to reach its minimum effective concentration.
- Peak effect occurs when the drug is at maximum effect and concentration.
- Duration of action is how long the drug remains effective above the minimum concentration.
Factors Affecting Absorption
- Route of Administration: Determines the speed of absorption (oral, sublingual, inhalation, subcutaneous, IM).
- Gastrointestinal Condition: Conditions such as surgical removal of the small intestine can impair absorption.
- Liver Function: Drugs absorbed in the small intestine are partially metabolized by the liver before entering circulation (first pass effect).
- Blood Supply: Increased blood flow enhances absorption; decreased blood flow reduces it.
- Pain and Stress: Can diminish absorption due to the body's autonomic response.
- Drug Formulation: Different forms (tablets, liquids, slow-release) affect absorption rates.
Distribution
- Distribution is the delivery of drugs from systemic circulation to tissues and target cells.
- Influenced by blood flow; drugs reach well-perfused organs more quickly.
- Solubility affects distribution; lipid-soluble drugs can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, while water-soluble drugs cannot.
Metabolism
- Also known as biotransformation, this process converts drugs into simpler compounds or deactivates them.
- Primarily occurs in the liver, which can be affected by liver disease and age.
- Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, can also impact metabolic rates.
Excretion
- Excretion refers to removing the drug and its metabolites from the body.
- Key excretion routes are the kidneys and liver; other routes include lungs (respiration), sweat, and breast milk.
- Proper kidney function is critical for drug elimination; impaired function can lead to accumulation and toxicity.
Pharmacology Fundamentals
- Pharmacology studies drugs’ effects and their interactions with living organisms.
- Branches include pharmacy (drug production), toxicology (harmful effects), and clinical pharmacology (therapeutic use).
- Nurses focus on pharmacotherapeutics, which addresses drug applications for treatment and prevention of disease.
Drug Nomenclature
- Chemical Name: Describes the drug's atomic/molecular structure.
- Generic Name: A nonproprietary name, used globally (e.g., Aspirin).
- Trade Name: The brand name given by the manufacturer (protected by copyright).
Legal Terms and Drug Classification
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs: Accessible without a prescription (e.g., acetaminophen).
- Prescription Drugs: Require a prescription due to potential side effects (e.g., antibiotics).
- Controlled Drugs: Subject to prescription regulations due to addiction risk (e.g., Valium).
Drug Sources
- Plants: Natural substances (e.g., morphine).
- Animals: Derived from animal compounds (e.g., insulin).
- Minerals: Naturally occurring elements (e.g., iron).
- Synthetic: Created in labs (e.g., ranitidine).
- Genetically Engineered: Biotechnologically developed (e.g., Hepatitis B vaccine).
Drug Actions and Side Effects
- Indications: Conditions treated by the drug (e.g., Benadryl for allergies).
- Actions: How the drug affects cellular functions.
- Contraindications: Conditions that preclude drug use.
- Side Effects: Unwanted effects that are not dangerous.
- Adverse Effects: Serious, harmful reactions (e.g., seizures).
- Interactions: Drugs/foods that can alter a drug's effect negatively.
Summary of Implications for Student Nurses
- Students should understand pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and patient safety in drug administration.
- Emphasis on medication monitoring and patient education for safe drug use.
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Description
This quiz covers the key concepts of pharmacokinetics, focusing on how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted in the body. You will explore important terms like onset of action and peak effect to understand the dynamics of drug action. Test your knowledge of these fundamental processes in pharmacology.
