Chapter 7

Question 1

absorption

Answer 1

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

Question 2

action

Answer 2

The therapeutic effect of a medication on the body

Question 3

activated charcoal

Answer 3

An oral medication that binds and adsorbs ingested toxins in the gastrointestinal tract for treatment of some poisonings and medication overdoses. Charcoal is ground into a very fine powder that provides the greatest possible surface area for binding medications that have been taken by mouth; it is carried on the EMS unit.

Question 4

adsorption

Answer 4

The process of binding or sticking to a surface

Question 5

agonist

Answer 5

A medication that causes stimulation of receptors

Question 6

antagonist

Answer 6

A medication that binds to a receptor and blocks other medications

Question 7

aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA)

Answer 7

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

Question 8

contraindications

Answer 8

Conditions that make a particular medication or treatment inappropriate, for example, a condition in which a medication should not be given because it would not help or may actually harm a patient

Question 9

dose

Answer 9

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

Question 10

EMT-administered medication

Answer 10

When the EMT directly administers the medication to the patient

Question 11

enteral medications

Answer 11

Medications that enter the body through the digestive system

Question 12

epinephrine

Answer 12

A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure but also eases breathing problems by decreasing muscle tone of the bronchiole tree; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication

Question 13

gel

Answer 13

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

Question 14

generic name

Answer 14

The original chemical name of a medication (in contrast with one of its “trade names”); the name is not capitalized

Question 15

hypoglycemia

Answer 15

An abnormally low blood glucose level

Question 16

indications

Answer 16

The therapeutic uses for a specific medication

Question 17

inhalation

Answer 17

Breathing into the lungs; a medication delivery route

Question 18

intended effect

Answer 18

The effect that a medication is expected to have on the body

Question 19

intramuscular (IM) injection

Answer 19

An injection into a muscle; a medication delivery route

Question 20

intranasal (IN)

Answer 20

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

Question 21

intraosseous (IO)

Answer 21

Into the bone; a medication delivery route

Question 22

intravenous (IV) injection

Answer 22

An injection directly into a vein; a medication delivery route

Question 23

medication

Answer 23

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

Question 24

metered-dose inhaler (MDI)

Answer 24

A miniature spray canister through which droplets or particles of medication may be inhaled

Question 25

mucosal atomizer device (MAD)

Answer 25

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

Question 26

nitroglycerin

Answer 26

A medication that increases cardiac perfusion by causing arteries to dilate; you may be allowed to help the patient self-administer the medication

Question 27

oral

Answer 27

By mouth; a medication delivery route

Question 28

oral glucose

Answer 28

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

Question 29

over-the-counter (OTC) medications

Answer 29

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

Question 30

oxygen

Answer 30

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

Question 31

parenteral medications

Answer 31

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

Question 32

patient-assisted medication

Answer 32

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

Question 33

peer-assisted medication

Answer 33

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

Question 34

per os (PO)

Answer 34

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

Question 35

per rectum (PR)

Answer 35

Through the rectum; a medication delivery route

Question 36

pharmacodynamics

Answer 36

The process by which a medication works on the body

Question 37

pharmacology

Answer 37

The study of properties and effects of medications

Question 38

polypharmacy

Answer 38

The use of multiple medications on a regular basis

Question 39

prescription medications

Answer 39

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

Question 40

side effects

Answer 40

Any effects of a medication other than the desired ones

Question 41

solution

Answer 41

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

Question 42

subcutaneous (SC) injection

Answer 42

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

Question 43

sublingual (SL)

Answer 43

Under the tongue; a medication delivery route

Question 44

suspension

Answer 44

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

Question 45

topical medications

Answer 45

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

Question 46

trade name

Answer 46

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

Question 47

transcutaneous (transdermal)

Answer 47

Through the skin; a medication delivery route

Question 48

unintended effect

Answer 48

Actions that are undesirable but pose little risk to the patient

Question 49

untoward effects

Answer 49

Actions that can be harmful to the patient