Pharmacology Chapter 3 Flashcards

Study Notes

Patient Safety in Medication Administration

Anaphylaxis: A severe hypersensitivity reaction involving immunoglobulin E and rapid release of mediators, potentially life-threatening.
Antihypertensives: Drugs prescribed to manage high blood pressure.
Geriatric Medicine: Specialized healthcare focusing on the treatment and care of elderly patients.
HIPAA: Legislation ensuring patient rights and privacy concerning their medical information.
Lavage: Medical procedure involving the irrigation or washing out of a cavity.
OSHA: Agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions in the U.S.
Pediatric Medicine: Focused on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in children.
Polypharmacy: Simultaneous use of multiple medications, raising risks of side effects and drug interactions.
Seven Rights of Medication Administration: Essential principles for safe drug delivery include the right patient, drug, dose, time, route, technique, and documentation.
Teratogens: Substances that can cause abnormal fetal development or birth defects.
Thrombolytics: Medications designed to dissolve blood clots.
Urticaria: Another term for hives, causing itchy, raised skin areas.

Administration Procedures and Considerations

Verification Process: Always confirm the patient's identity and medication details through multiple checks before administration.
Drug Storage: Organize drug samples by classification to streamline access and ensure proper handling.
Dose Confirmation: Clarify any uncertainties regarding prescribed doses before administration; do not proceed without confirmation.
Timing of Administration: Medication timing can influence effectiveness; for instance, sleeping aids are typically given at night.
Importance of Consistency: Certain medications, especially antibiotics and antiseizure medications, must be taken at regular intervals to maintain effective blood levels.
Dosing in Children: Dosages must be carefully calculated for children due to their size and metabolism.

Special Considerations in Patient Care

Pre-Test Preparation: Patients scheduled for tests should refrain from medications and remain NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight.
Diabetes and NPO Status: Insulin should not be administered if the patient is NPO to avoid hypoglycemia.
Reasons for Medication Discontinuation: Include testing requirements, drugs being no longer necessary, or alternate prescriptions.

Route of Administration Abbreviations

PO: By mouth
IV: Intravenous
IM: Intramuscular
ID: Intradermal
SC: Subcutaneous

Adverse Effects and Documentation

Effects of Improper Administration: Errors in injection angles or techniques can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage.
Documentation Requirements: Accurate recording is necessary, including medication type, time, dose, route, lot number, expiration date, and any adverse reactions.

Medication Absorption Factors

Individual Factors: Patient's nutrition, weight, gender, and age all play crucial roles in drug efficacy and safety.
Special Considerations for Geriatric Patients: Age-related physiological changes can affect drug absorption, distribution, and metabolism, necessitating careful dose adjustments.
Children's Unique Needs: Pediatric patients have different absorption and metabolism rates, affecting drug administration. Adjustments are critical for neonates and infants due to their underdeveloped systems.

Environmental and Lifestyle Influences

Cigarette Smoking: Increases drug metabolism, potentially requiring higher doses for efficacy.
Occupational Exposures: Can lead to hepatic injury, impacting how medications are processed and increasing risks of accumulation and toxicity.

Ethical and Legal Concerns

Informed Consent: Patients must fully understand their treatment options and the implications of experimental drugs.
Patient Rights: Include the right to participate in treatment decisions, refuse treatment, and maintain privacy regarding health information.
Assault and Battery: Forcing medication upon a patient can be legally considered assault.

Special Populations and Considerations

Impact of Gender on Medications: Biological differences can influence drug absorption; men generally have higher muscle mass than women, affecting metabolism.
Cultural Sensitivity: Cultural beliefs can significantly affect patient adherence to medication regimens, with some preferring herbal remedies over conventional treatments.
Aging Effects on Drug Metabolism: The elderly may face complications such as toxicity due to decreased liver function and altered drug interactions as a result of polypharmacy.

Description

Explore essential terms related to patient safety in medication administration with these flashcards. This quiz covers important concepts like anaphylaxis and antihypertensives, specifically tailored for healthcare professionals. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of pharmacology in the context of geriatric care.