Pharmacology Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which source provides foundational knowledge about drug classifications and mechanisms of action?

E-CPS

Pharmacology Textbook (correct)

Davis’s Drug Guide

Pharmacists

What is included in the additional information for medication orders?

Patient's dietary preferences

Pharmacy location details

Physician's registration number (correct)

Patient's social history

What is one important task performed during the assessment phase in drug administration?

Gathering subjective and objective data (correct)

Educating the patient on alternative treatments

Administering medications swiftly

Prioritizing nursing diagnoses

Which source provides comprehensive drug information organized alphabetically by generic name?

Davis’s Drug Guide Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of data that should be collected during the assessment phase?

Documenting all medications the patient is taking Signup and view all the answers

What does the analysis of data during drug administration help a nurse to formulate?

Nursing diagnoses Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically found in a drug handbook like Davis’s Drug Guide?

Patient's medical history Signup and view all the answers

What important information does an electronic database provide regarding medications?

Approved uses of medications Signup and view all the answers

What is a key purpose of using analgesics like aspirin?

To relieve symptoms without curing underlying conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the 10 rights of medication administration?

Right Duration Signup and view all the answers

Which medication category is primarily intended to prevent reproduction?

Contraception Signup and view all the answers

What does the Food & Drugs Act ensure regarding medications in Canada?

All medications must meet prescribed safety standards Signup and view all the answers

The term 'Right Education' in medication administration refers to what?

Informing the patient about the medication's details Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes curative medications?

They aim to eliminate the underlying cause of a disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of using contrast dye in medical practice?

To assist in diagnosing specific conditions Signup and view all the answers

Why must a healthcare provider verify the 'Right Dose' before administering medication?

To confirm it is appropriate for the patient’s condition. Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of action of saline laxatives?

Increase stool volume by attracting and retaining water. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a stimulant laxative?

Senna Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes 1st generation antihistamines from 2nd generation antihistamines?

Only 1st generation antihistamines are sedating. Signup and view all the answers

How do prescribed medications differ in regulation from natural health products (NHPs)?

Prescribed meds are regulated but NHPs are not. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the 'Drug Facts' table on OTC medication packaging?

To inform customers about safe and appropriate medication use Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for the efficacy of natural health products?

Historical use and anecdotal evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the generic name of a drug?

It describes the drug's pharmacological or chemical characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which classification best describes drugs grouped by their therapeutic effect?

Therapeutic Class Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the pharmacological class of drugs?

Only drugs with the same mechanism of action are included Signup and view all the answers

What must be included in a doctor's med order before a nurse can administer drugs?

Time of administration Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important not to use a trailing zero in medication orders?

It can lead to confusion with decimal dosages Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a correct example of dosage format in medication orders?

0.1 mg Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the trade name of a drug?

It is the name under which the company markets the drug Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for the marketing authorization of medications in Canada?

Successful completion of the regulatory process Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the difference between prescription and OTC medications?

OTC medications are generally considered low risk and do not require a prescription Signup and view all the answers

What does the Controlled Substances and Drug Act establish?

Schedules for medications based on risk and potential for misuse Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for dispensing prescription medications?

Licensed healthcare professionals only Signup and view all the answers

What type of medications does the Food & Drugs Act regulate?

Both prescription and OTC medications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a factor for the classification of controlled substances?

Societal needs for the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Health Canada in the context of prescription medications?

Regulating medications for safety and effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main characteristics of OTC medications?

They can be purchased without a prescription Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of medication reconciliation (Med Rec)?

To ensure the safety of patient medications and prevent discrepancies Signup and view all the answers

During which phase of healthcare is medication reconciliation particularly important?

Throughout various stages including admission, transfer, and discharge Signup and view all the answers

What could be a consequence of not performing medication reconciliation?

Accidental continuation of medications that should have been stopped Signup and view all the answers

What types of medications should be included in a patient's med history during reconciliation?

All medications, including prescriptions, OTC medications, and non-prescriptions Signup and view all the answers

An adverse drug event (ADE) can result from which scenario?

Duplicate prescriptions for the same medication Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to provide an updated medication list to patients before discharge?

To ensure they understand their medication regimen for continued care Signup and view all the answers

Medication reconciliation should occur when a patient is transferred to a different unit within a facility to:

Adjust the medications for their new level of care Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk when proper medication reconciliation is neglected during surgery?

Increased risk of drug interactions from uncommunicated new medications Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Final Review

Some medications are used to prevent diseases or conditions
Vaccines are examples for disease prevention
Some medications can aid in diagnosing conditions
Medications can be used to manage or relieve symptoms without necessarily curing the underlying condition
Analgesics like aspirin are used for pain treatment
Curative medications aim to eliminate the disease cause
Antibiotics kill bacteria causing infections
Medications can be used to maintain health
Medications for hypertension control blood pressure
Contraception prevents pregnancy (e.g., birth control pills)

Medication Administration Rights

Ten rights of medication administration ensure safe practices
Right medication: Check medication order against the prescription and patient needs
Right dose: Verify accuracy for age, weight, and condition
Right patient: Confirm patient identity using identifiers like name and date of birth
Right route: Administer medication as prescribed (e.g., oral, IV, IM)
Right time: Administer medication at the prescribed time and frequency
Right documentation: Accurately document medication administration in the patient record
Right reason: Understand medication's purpose and therapeutic effect
Right to refuse: Respect the patient's right to refuse medication and explain potential consequences

Medication Legislation

The primary legislation governing medication sales in Canada is the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA)
The FDA mandates that all medications approved for use in Canada meet prescribed standards
The CDSA outlines strict regulations for controlled substances based on potential for abuse and misuse
Stricter regulations have been implemented for greater control on the potential for abuse and misuse of regulated substances

Prescription vs. OTC Medications

Prescription medications require a valid prescription from a licensed professional (e.g., physician, NP) due to potential for severe side effects or interactions.
Prescription meds are more rigorously evaluated for safety and efficacy by health authorities before marketing authorization
OTC medications (over-the-counter) can be purchased without a prescription.
OTC meds are generally considered low-risk and have less stringent requirements compared to prescription drugs.

Medication Names

Trade names are the brand names given by the manufacturer for a medication
Generic names are the non-proprietary names for a medication, used for identification and are usually written in lower case or italicized letters.
The chemical name describes the chemical structure of the drug.
The generic name identifies the drug without reference to the manufacturer.

Medication Dosage and Administration

Medication orders must include the dose, route of administration, and frequency of administration, and the time of administration.
Avoid trailing zeros in the medication dosages, but always include a leading zero for decimal dosages (0.1 mg)

Medication Sources

Nurses should use reliable sources when locating medication information including pharmacological textbooks, drug handbooks, electronic databases, and professional consultations

Medication Order Types

Routine orders—scheduled medication doses
PRN (as needed) orders—given as needed for specific conditions.
Single (one-time) orders—administered only once at a specific time
Stat orders—immediate administration for urgent indications
Now orders—similar to stat but may allow slightly more time for administration

Standing Orders

Pre-written orders for specific situations or conditions
They are detailed on medication administration records (MAR) and allow nurses to administer medications without a separate order from the prescriber.
It is important for nurses to follow the agency policies and procedures for standing orders.

Medication Reconciliation

This process compares a patient's current medication list with any new orders or changes.
It helps to identify potential drug interactions and ensures continuity of care, especially during transitions in care (e.g., hospital admission, discharge, transfer between different units)

Types of Adverse Effects

Adverse Drug Events (ADEs) encompass undesirable clinical problems from medication use, including medication errors and adverse drug reactions
Medication errors (MEs) are preventable events leading to inappropriate medication use or patient harm. This can involve the wrong medication, dose, route, or time of administration,
Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are unintended responses to a medication at a normal dose, ranging from mild to severe.
Allergic reactions involve the patient's immune system identifying a drug as a threat, causing symptoms like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Idiopathic reactions are unexpected responses unpredictable due to differences in how a person metabolizes a drug.

Types of Medications

Oral medication
Inhaled medication
Topical medications
Parenteral medications
Topical medication
Transdermal patches
Injections
Sublingual medication

Routes of Administration

Enteral (via GI tract)
Oral (swallowing)
Sublingual (under the tongue)
Buccal (between the cheek and gum)
Rectal (in the rectum)
Parenteral (outside of the gastrointestinal tract)
Intravenous (IV)
Intramuscular (IM)
Subcutaneous (SC)

Medication Preparations

Tablets
Capsules
Elixirs
Solutions
Suspensions
Lozenges
Powders
Creams
Ointments
Pastes
Suppositories

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption-Movement of drugs from the administration site to the bloodstream. Factors influencing absorption include the route of administration, formulation, surface area, and dissolution rate of the drug, and the presence of any food or other substances. (eg. food, presence of other drugs).
Distribution-Movement of drugs throughout the body to reach the site of action
Metabolism (Biotransformation)-Process where the body alters drug structure to facilitate excretion. The liver is the primary site of metabolism.
Excretion- Removal of drugs (or their metabolites) from the body. These may be excreted in urine, feces, sweat, or breath. These factors may influence drug metabolism, absorption, and excretion.

Medication Safety Considerations

Nurses need to follow proper medication administration procedures.
All medications are to be accounted for and documented.
Nurses need to understand the risk of medication errors and should take appropriate steps to avoid them.

Natural vs. Prescribed Medication

Natural health products (NHPs) are regulated with less rigor than prescribed, established medications
NHPs are not always tested in the same way as prescribed drugs, which may impact a person's understanding of whether to use natural supplements.
Prescribed medications have undergone rigorous trials, and their safety and efficacy are well documented.

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Description

Test your knowledge on drug classifications, mechanisms of action, and medication administration protocols with this pharmacology quiz. Explore key concepts related to drug information sources, assessment tasks, and safety practices in nursing care.