Pharmacology: Drug Associations and Side Effects

Drug Classification and Naming

• Drugs from the original country of manufacture can vary in efficacy and safety.
• Side effects are unintended effects, such as diarrhea or nausea from antibiotics.
• Adverse effects refer to severe side effects; patients must be re-evaluated to monitor for these.
• Brand names (e.g., Panadol, Biogesic) often refer to the same medication with identical effects.

Drug Naming Conventions

• Chemical names describe the drug's atomic or molecular structure (e.g., Acetaminophen: 4-hydroxyacetanilide).
• Generic names denoting the drug class (e.g., Paracetamol) may differ from brand names but indicate the same substance.

Drug Toxicity

• Occurs from overdosage or accumulation in the bloodstream, leading to serious health risks.
• Example signs of drug toxicity include hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and necrotoxicity (kidney damage).
• Monitoring for symptoms is crucial, especially in vulnerable populations like pregnant women.

Drug Allergies

• Allergic reactions signify immunity responses; skin tests for IV drugs are advisable.
• Patient history is essential to identify potential allergies with oral medications.

Legal Framework

• The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 regulates drug enforcement in the Philippines, particularly for illegal substances like shabu and marijuana.
• The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) plays a significant role in implementing drug laws.

Principles of Drug Administration

• Substances are administered for diagnosis, treatment, or disease prevention.
• RN responsibilities include proper knowledge of medications, verification of dosages, and ensuring administration is completed as prescribed.

Rights of Medication Administration

• Right dose: Correct dosage is crucial for patient safety.
• Right route: Proper absorption necessitates administering via the right route (oral, sublingual, topical, etc.).
• Right time: Timely administration is critical, with dosages based on specific schedules (e.g., b.i.d, t.i.d).
• Right client: Patient identity verification ensures correct medication delivery.
• Right client education: Patients must understand the purpose and side effects of their medications.

Refusal of Medication

• Clients have the right to refuse medication. Nurses should determine reasons for refusal and encourage proper medication adherence.
• Documentation of refusal with patient's signature may be required.

Evaluation and Assessment

• Right assessment requires gathering relevant patient data before drug administration.
• Right evaluation assesses the drug's effectiveness based on the patient’s response post-administration.

Key Administrative Protocols

• Nurses must not leave medications unattended at the bedside.
• Immediate concerns such as patient vomiting must be documented and reported promptly.
• Orders should be legible, and nurses should confirm any unclear instructions or calculations with colleagues.

This quiz covers the origins of pharmaceutical drugs and their effects, including primary and secondary effects. It highlights specific examples like paracetamol and the common side effects associated with antibiotic use. Test your knowledge on these vital aspects of pharmacology!