chapter 12 - pharmacology

Question 1

The process by which a medication works in the body

Answer 1

pharmacodynamics

Question 2

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing blood vessels to dilate; EMTs may be allowed to assist the patient to self-administer this medication

Answer 2

nitroglycerin

Question 3

A delivery route in which a medication is pushed through a specialized atomizer device called a mucosal atomizer device (MAD) into the naris

Answer 3

intranasal

Question 4

Lotions, creams, and ointments that are applied to the surface of the skin and affect only that area; a medication delivery route

Answer 4

topical medications

Question 5

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors

Answer 5

agonist

Question 6

The process of removing a medication or chemical from within the body

Answer 6

elimination

Question 7

Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm

Answer 7

medication error

Question 8

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis

Answer 8

polypharmacy

Question 9

Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient

Answer 9

EMT-administered medication

Question 10

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route

Answer 10

per rectum

Question 11

A miniature spray canister used to direct medications through the mouth and into the lungs

Answer 11

metered-dose inhaler

Question 12

The processes that the body performs on a medication, including how it is absorbed, distributed, possibly changed, and eliminated

Answer 12

pharmacokinetics

Question 13

Medications that are distributed to patients only by pharmacists according to a physician’s order

Answer 13

prescription medications

Question 14

The process by which medications travel through body tissues until they reach the bloodstream

Answer 14

absorption

Question 15

When the EMT administers medication to himself or herself or to a partner

Answer 15

peer-assisted medication

Question 16

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications

Answer 16

antagonist

Question 17

A device that is used to change a liquid medication into a spray and push it into the nostril

Answer 17

mucosal atomizer device

Question 18

By mouth; a medication delivery route

Answer 18

oral

Question 19

An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route

Answer 19

intraosseous injection

Question 20

A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot

Answer 20

anticoagulant

Question 21

The amount of time from the administration of a medication to the onset of clinical effects

Answer 21

onset of action

Question 22

Medications that may be purchased directly by a patient without a prescription

Answer 22

over-the-counter medication

Question 23

Injection into the fatty tissue between the skin and muscle; a medication delivery route

Answer 23

subcutaneous injection

Question 24

When the EMT assists the patient with the administration of his or her own medication

Answer 24

patient-assisted medication

Question 25

A gas that all cells need for metabolism; the heart and brain, especially, cannot function without it

Answer 25

oxygen

Question 26

The active, muscular part of breathing that draws air into the airway and lungs; a medication delivery route

Answer 26

inhalation

Question 27

Medications that treat or reduce a fever

Answer 27

antipyretics

Question 28

The point or period when the maximum clinical effect of a drug is achieved

Answer 28

peak

Question 29

Through the mouth; a medication delivery route; same as oral

Answer 29

per os

Question 30

Any unwanted clinical results of a medication

Answer 30

adverse effects

Question 31

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree

Answer 31

epinephrine

Question 32

A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together

Answer 32

antiplatelet

Question 33

The brand name that a manufacturer gives a medication; the name is capitalized

Answer 33

trade name

Question 34

A liquid mixture that cannot be separated by filtering or allowing the mixture to stand

Answer 34

solution

Question 35

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body

Answer 35

action

Question 36

A mixture of ground particles that are distributed evenly throughout a liquid but do not dissolve

Answer 36

suspension

Question 37

An injection into the muscle; a medication delivery route

Answer 37

intramuscular injection

Question 38

Actions that can be harmful to the patient

Answer 38

untoward effects

Question 39

A medication that is an antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic (reduces pain), anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation), and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation (clumping)

Answer 39

aspirin

Question 40

The therapeutic uses for a special medication

Answer 40

indications

Question 41

An abnormally low blood glucose level

Answer 41

hypoglycemia

Question 42

A medication used to treat infections caused by a bacterium

Answer 42

antibiotic

Question 43

A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus

Answer 43

antifungal

Question 44

A semiliquid substance that is administered orally in capsule form or through plastic tubes

Answer 44

gel

Question 45

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system

Answer 45

enteral medications

Question 46

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate because it would not help, or may actually harm, a patient

Answer 46

contraindications

Question 47

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route

Answer 47

sublingual

Question 48

The original chemical name of a medication; the name is not capitalized

Answer 48

generic name

Question 49

A substance that is used to treat or prevent disease or relieve pain

Answer 49

medication

Question 50

The amount of medication given on the basis of the patient’s size and age

Answer 50

dose

Question 51

The desired or intended effect a medication is expected to have on the body

Answer 51

therapeutic effect

Question 52

The study of the properties and effects of medications

Answer 52

pharmacology

Question 53

Through the skin; a medication delivery route

Answer 53

transcutaneous

Question 54

Medications that enter the body by a route other than the digestive tract, skin, or mucous membranes

Answer 54

parenteral medications

Question 55

The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last

Answer 55

duration

Question 56

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route

Answer 56

intravenous injection

Question 57

A simple sugar that is readily absorbed by the bloodstream; it is carried on the EMS unit

Answer 57

oral glucose

Question 58

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient

Answer 58

unintended effects