Pharmacology Basics & Regulation
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion
What are the 4 phases of the drug cycle?
A current & accurate weight of the patient
What is required for accurate pediatric medication dosing?
Examples include: ODT, buccal, capsules, enteric-coated, and time-release pills
What are oral meds that should not be crushed or chewed?
Skin color and sclera color are yellow due to liver failure.
What is jaundice?
Microorganisms that live in and on our bodies: Perform needed functions, protect us from harmful pathogens, help break down and digest food
What is normal flora?
Mild symptoms, might be annoying, but usually still safe to continue the medication vs effects that are more severe, detrimental or intolerable to the patient
What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse reaction
Patient Name & DOB, Date of order, Name & dose of med, Frequency or timing, Route of admin, Signature or name of provider, *Specific reason or parameters
What is required for a complete medication order?
A level of anesthesia in which the patient has little or no memory of the procedure, but still maintains their own airway and can respond to commands.
What is conscious sedation?
PRESSURE Injury RISK: Sensory, Moisture, Activity, Mobility, Nutrition, Friction/Shear
What is the Braden Scale?
Consists of Infectious agent, Reservoir, Portal of exit, Mode of transmission, Portal of entry, Susceptible host
What is the chain of infection?
The main organ(s) involved in the Excretion phase of the drug cycle
What are the kidneys?
Decline and draw up a fresh dose of meds to administer
What should the nurse do if asked to administer meds drawn up by someone else?
A safety tool completed and checked just before the surgery or procedure begins
What is the pre-surgical/pre-operative checklist?
Caused by a type of staph bacteria that's become resistant antibiotics used to treat ordinary staph infections. Common in healthcare settings.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection
Infection caused by a different pathogen
What is secondary infection?
Locked, with an inventory witnessed by 2 people
How should controlled medications listed on the scheduled drug list be stored?
Check the patient!
What is the FIRST thing to do if you've discovered a medication error?
This is an RN in charge of the operating room. They monitor patient safety & keep a "birds-eye" view of everything happening during the procedure.
Who is the circulating nurse?
Drainage with discoloration and malodor indicting an infection
What is purulent drainage?
Delivery of steam under pressure, with heat
ranging from 250°F to 270°F to sterilize surgical equipment.
What is autoclaving?
1) They have the potential to be habit-forming
2) Refills may be controlled and given within defined time limits
What are 2 characteristics of controlled medications on the scheduled drug list?
Med name & dose, your initials and time, intended patient name
What are the basics that should be included when labeling a syringe in the med room?
The amount of medication needed to produce desired effects.
What is the therapeutic level of medication?
Partial thickness loss: exposed dermis
What is Stage 2 Pressure Injury?
Sterile + unsterile =
What is contaminated?