Pharmacology Basics

Medication Administration and Pharmacology

• Excretion: Removal of drugs or metabolites from the body; crucial for patients with kidney or liver disease who may struggle with drug metabolism.
• Pharmacodynamics: Studies the biochemical, physiological, and molecular effects of drugs on the body, including receptor binding and chemical interactions.
• Right Time and Frequency: Drug timing is vital, particularly for antibiotics, to achieve effectiveness and prevent resistance. Some medications require administration on an empty stomach, while others should be taken after meals.
• Right Route: Medications must be given via the prescribed routes (IV, IM, SC, ID, inhalation). Any discrepancies or concerns should be addressed with the prescribing provider before administration.
• Right Documentation: Immediate documentation of medication administration is essential to prevent errors, such as unintentional repeated doses.

Nursing Practices and Patient Care

• Right History and Assessment: Nurses should be cognizant of patients' allergies and previous drug interactions, which inform safe medication practices.
• Client's Involvement: Patients should identify their issues and participate actively in their treatment to foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of helplessness.
• Exploitation Phase: Patients fully utilize offered services, engaging in problem-solving with professional assistance tailored to their needs.

Health and Human Systems

• Definition of Health: Health is the ability to adapt to environmental stimuli; it is not merely the absence of illness or stress but encompasses overall well-being.
• Adaptation Model: Callista Roy's model emphasizes coping and adaptation strategies within a holistic view of health, acknowledging that both health and illness can coexist.

Role of Nurses

• Facilitators of Adaptation: Nurses analyze patient behaviors and promote positive adaptations, aiming to foster an environment conducive to effective health management.
• Nursing Goals: Focus on promoting adaptation across various modalities (physiological, psychological, social) to enhance quality of life and dignity in the dying process.

Environmental Influences

• Adaptation Stimuli: The environment encompasses diverse conditions that influence human development and behavior, necessitating adaptation through positive or negative stimuli.

Jean Watson's Human Caring Theory

• Caring Practice: Emphasizes that caring for patients enhances personal growth and creates a supportive environment where individuals can thrive.
• Unity of Self: Health is linked to the harmony between one’s self-concept and self-experience.

Drug Nomenclature and Classification

• Drug Naming: Drugs can have multiple names, including chemical names (specific to chemical structure), non-proprietary names (generic names), proprietary names (brand names), and official names (approved by a pharmacopoeia).
• Drug Classification: Drugs can be classified based on their chemical nature, including inorganic drugs (metals and their salts, non-metals), important for understanding drug actions and interactions.

This quiz covers essential concepts in pharmacology, including drug metabolism and excretion. It discusses how these processes are affected in older patients with kidney or liver disease. Understanding drug timing and frequency is also highlighted for effective treatment.