Chapter 12 principles of Pharmacology

Question 1

Through the skin; a medication delivery route.

Answer 1

transcutaneous

Question 2

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

Answer 2

peak

Question 3

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

Answer 3

metered-dose inhaler

Question 4

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient.

Answer 4

unintended effects

Question 5

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

Answer 5

elimination

Question 6

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

Answer 6

inhalation

Question 7

Any unwanted clinical results of a medication.

Answer 7

adverse effects

Question 8

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

Answer 8

intranasal

Question 9

A medication that prevents blood platelets from clumping or sticking together.

Answer 9

antiplatelet

Question 10

Medications that treat or reduce a fever.

Answer 10

antipyretics

Question 11

A medication used to treat infections caused by a bacterium.

Answer 11

antibiotic

Question 12

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

Answer 12

topical medications

Question 13

Inappropriate use of a medication that could lead to patient harm.

Answer 13

medication error

Question 14

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

Answer 14

gel

Question 15

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

Answer 15

per os

Question 16

Actions that can be harmful to the patient.

Answer 16

untoward effects

Question 17

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

Answer 17

onset of action

Question 18

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

Answer 18

trade name

Question 19

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast to one of its proprietary or trade names); the name is not capitalized.

Answer 19

generic name

Question 20

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

Answer 20

mucosal atomizer device

Question 21

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

Answer 21

suspension

Question 22

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route.

Answer 22

sublingual

Question 23

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body.

Answer 23

action

Question 24

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

Answer 24

subcutaneous injection

Question 25

The amount of time that clinical effects of a medication last.

Answer 25

duration

Question 26

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 26

nitroglycerin

Question 27

Administration of a medication by the EMT directly to the patient.

Answer 27

EMT-administered medication

Question 28

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

Answer 28

medication

Question 29

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

Answer 29

patient-assisted medication

Question 30

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

Answer 30

prescription medications

Question 31

An injection into the bone; a medication delivery route.

Answer 31

intraosseous injection

Question 32

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications.

Answer 32

antagonist

Question 33

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route.

Answer 33

intravenous injection

Question 34

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route.

Answer 34

per rectum

Question 35

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

Answer 35

therapeutic effect

Question 36

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree; a substance produced by the body (commonly called adrenaline), and a drug produced by pharmaceutical companies that increases pulse rate and blood pressure; the drug of choice for an anaphylactic reaction.

Answer 36

epinephrine

Question 37

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

Answer 37

pharmacokinetic

Question 38

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

Answer 38

over-the-counter medication

Question 39

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

Answer 39

peer-assisted medication

Question 40

A medication used to treat infections caused by a fungus.

Answer 40

antifungal

Question 41

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

Answer 41

dose

Question 42

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

Answer 42

oral glucose

Question 43

An abnormally low blood glucose level.

Answer 43

hypoglycemia

Question 44

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

Answer 44

aspirin

Question 45

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route.

Answer 45

intramuscluar injection

Question 46

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

Answer 46

solution

Question 47

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

Answer 47

absorption

Question 48

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors.

Answer 48

agonist

Question 49

By mouth; a medication delivery route.

Answer 49

oral

Question 50

A medication that impairs the ability of blood to clot.

Answer 50

anticoagulant

Question 51

The study of the properties and effects of medications.

Answer 51

pharmacology

Question 52

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication.

Answer 52

indications

Question 53

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis.

Answer 53

polypharmacy

Question 54

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

Answer 54

contraindications

Question 55

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

Answer 55

parenteral medications

Question 56

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

Answer 56

oxygen

Question 57

The process by which a medication works in the body.

Answer 57

pharmacodynamics

Question 58

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system

Answer 58

enteral medications