JC Pharmacology Learning Objectives Week 1

The use of drugs to prevent, diagnose, or treat signs, symptoms, and disease processes.

Drugs given for therapeutic purposes.

Drugs can have a localized effect on a specific area or a systemic effect on the entire body.

A drug that represents a category of drugs, often the first one developed.

Names assigned by manufacturers.

The study of how drugs move through the body - absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Genetic variations in a patient's body that can impact how they respond to drugs, leading to differences in effectiveness or side effects.

Drugs bind to specific targets in the body, like receptors, to produce their effects.

Drugs that activate receptors, resulting in a response similar to the body's natural signal.

Drugs that block receptors, preventing the natural signal from binding and producing an effect.

Ensuring the right medication, dose, time, route, patient, and documentation for every medication administration.

A systematic approach to patient care that involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Any non-traditional therapies that may affect the effectiveness, side effects, or toxicity of prescribed medications.

A complex biological response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, heat, and loss of function.

Drugs that reduce inflammation by targeting various pathways involved in the inflammatory process. These include NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and newer targeted therapies.

Tiny organisms, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that can cause infections.

The process by which microorganisms invade and multiply in the body, causing harm. Common signs include fever, pain, redness, swelling, and pus.

Drugs that combat infections directly by killing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Common types include antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antiprotozoans.

Prostaglandins are fatty acid-like molecules that are produced in almost every tissue of the body, and they have a wide range of effects, including causing inflammation, pain, and fever. They are involved in the process of inflammation, which is a natural response to injury or infection.

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal range. It's a response to infection or inflammation, often accompanied by other symptoms like chills, sweating, headache, and muscle aches.

Inflammation is a complex biological response to injury or infection, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, heat, and loss of function. It's a vital part of the healing process, but excessive inflammation can damage tissues.

Aspirin is a prototype salicylate drug that is known for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. These effects are primarily achieved by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins.

Acetaminophen is an analgesic and antipyretic medication that is commonly used to treat pain and fever. It's effective for mild to moderate pain, but unlike NSAIDs, it lacks anti-inflammatory properties.

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances made in the body that can cause pain, fever, and inflammation. They're like messengers that tell the body to respond to injury or infection.

Salicylates, like aspirin, are a class of drugs that can reduce pain, fever, and inflammation. They work by blocking the production of prostaglandins.

Corticosteroids are hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. They regulate many important bodily functions, including metabolism, inflammation, and immune response.

Corticosteroids can be used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. They're helpful in treating conditions like asthma, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and organ transplant rejection.

Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to side effects such as weight gain, high blood sugar, osteoporosis, and suppressed immune system.

When administering corticosteroids, nurses should monitor patients carefully for signs of infection, electrolyte imbalance, and other potential side effects. They should also educate patients about medication management and potential risks.

Factors like stress, infection, trauma, and certain medications can affect the body's need for corticosteroids. Therefore, it's important to consider the patient's overall health status and history when prescribing or adjusting corticosteroid therapy.