Module 4: Application of Pharmacology in Nursing Practice Flashcards
Patient “Rights” with Pharm
Right drug
Right patient
Right dose
Right time
Right assessment
Right documentation
Right evaluation
Right of patient to education
Right of refusal
Pharmacokinetics
Study of how medications enter the body, reach their
site of action, are metabolized, and exit the body
Types of medication action
Therapeutic effects
Adverse drug reactions
* Allergic reactions
Side effects
Toxic effects
Idiosyncratic reactions
Parental vs Nonparental Distribution
Non-parenteral routes involve delivering medication outside of the bloodstream and without penetrating the skin or mucous membranes through injections.
Oral Route: The most common non-parenteral route, involving medications taken by mouth, swallowed, and absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. This route is preferred for its convenience and safety but is influenced by factors like gastric pH, presence of food, and patient compliance.
Topical Route: Involves applying medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes, including creams, ointments, eye drops, and ear drops. The absorption can be slow and limited, often intended for a local effect.
Inhalation Route: Medications are delivered directly to the lungs, typically for respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, using devices like inhalers or nebulizers. This route allows for rapid absorption and effect on the respiratory system.
Sublingual and Buccal Routes: Medications are placed under the tongue (sublingual) or between the gums and cheek (buccal) for rapid absorption into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system and liver metabolism.
Rectal Route: Suppositories or enemas are administered rectally, useful when the oral route is contraindicated, such as in vomiting or unconscious patients.
Parenteral Medication Administration
Parenteral routes involve delivering medications directly into the bloodstream or tissues through injections, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, offering a faster onset of action and more controlled delivery.
Intravenous (IV) Route: Medication is delivered directly into a vein, providing immediate effect and precise control over the dosage. Common for emergency drugs, fluids, and long-term therapies.
Intramuscular (IM) Route: Medication is injected into the muscle, offering relatively quick absorption and suitable for certain vaccines, antibiotics, and hormones.
Subcutaneous (SC or SQ) Route: Medication is injected into the tissue layer between the skin and the muscle, suitable for insulin, some vaccines, and anticoagulants. Absorption is slower than IM injections.
Intradermal (ID) Route: Medication is injected just beneath the skin, primarily used for allergy testing and tuberculosis screening due to the slow absorption rate.
Pharmacogenetics
Pharmacogenetics involves the study of the genetic
influence on drug response that occurs from inherited
metabolic defects or deficiencies
Formula Method Calculations
Formula Method:
Uses the formula: (Desired Dose ÷ Stock Dose) × Stock Volume = Volume to Administer
Example: Order: 250 mg; Stock: 500 mg in 2 mL; Calculation: (250 mg ÷ 500 mg) × 2 mL = 1 mL to administer.
Dimensional Analysis Method
Dimensional Analysis Method:
A systematic approach using conversion factors to move from one unit to another until the desired unit is achieved.
Example: Convert 3 tsp to mL knowing 1 tsp = 5 mL. Calculation: 3 tsp × (5 mL / 1 tsp) = 15 mL.
Ratio + Proportion Method
Ratio-and-Proportion Method:
Involves setting up two ratios (the prescribed dose to the available dose and the amount of solution) and solving for the unknown.
Example: Order: 250 mg; Stock: 500 mg in 2 mL; Ratio: 250 mg / 500 mg = x mL / 2 mL, solving for x gives 1 mL.
Pediatric Dosing
Pediatric dosing often requires calculations based on weight (mg/kg) or body surface area (BSA) due to children’s varying sizes and metabolic rates.
Example: Amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day for a child weighing 15 kg. Daily dose = 20 mg/kg × 15 kg = 300 mg.
