Pharmacology Basics
This term refers to the study of drugs and their effects on the body.
What is pharmacology?
The process of a drug entering the bloodstream.
What is absorption?
This route provides the fastest drug effect.
What is intravenous (IV)?
The desired effect of a medication.
What is therapeutic effect?
A drug is ordered for a patient who is vomiting. This route is MOST appropriate.
What is intravenous (IV)?
A drug is highly protein-bound. A second drug displaces it from binding sites. This MOST likely results in:
What is increased free drug leading to potential toxicity?
This name is assigned before a drug is marketed and is universally recognized.
What is the generic name?
The organ primarily responsible for drug metabolism.
What is the liver?
This route avoids first-pass metabolism and is placed under the tongue.
What is sublingual?
A predictable secondary effect such as drowsiness.
What is a side effect?
A drug has a half-life of 8 hours. After 16 hours, this percentage remains.
What is 25%?
A patient with cirrhosis is prescribed a standard dose of medication. This condition MOST directly affects which pharmacokinetic phase?
What is metabolism?
This branch studies what a drug does to the body.
What is pharmacodynamics?
Time required for half of a drug to be eliminated.
What is half-life?
This route is commonly used for slow, sustained absorption.
What is subcutaneous?
An immune system response to a drug.
What is an allergic reaction?
A patient on two CNS depressants experiences extreme sedation. This is an example of:
What is synergism?
A medication has a narrow therapeutic index and a half-life of 24 hours. If doses are given too frequently, what is the MOST likely outcome?
What is drug accumulation leading to toxicity?
A drug’s ability to produce a desired therapeutic effect.
What is efficacy?
This phase involves transporting a drug throughout the body tissues.
What is distribution?
This route is contraindicated in unconscious patients.
What is oral?
A condition in which a drug should NOT be given.
What is a contraindication?
A patient with kidney disease is at higher risk for this when taking medications.
What is toxicity?
A patient takes a drug orally that is extensively metabolized before reaching circulation. To improve effectiveness, which route is BEST?
What is sublingual or intravenous (avoids first-pass metabolism)?
Category: Pharmacokinetics & Safety
Clue:
A drug with a narrow therapeutic index requires this type of monitoring to prevent toxicity while maintaining effectiveness.
What is frequent blood level monitoring?
This type of drug name is protected by trademark and used for marketing.
What is a brand (trade) name?
The elimination of drugs primarily through urine.
What is excretion?
This injection route delivers medication into muscle tissue.
What is intramuscular (IM)?
This occurs when two drugs together increase each other’s effects.
What is a synergistic effect?
A provider gives a large initial dose to quickly reach therapeutic levels.
What is a loading dose?
A patient develops severe hypotension after the first dose of a new medication, with no prior exposure. This reaction is BEST classified as:
What is an idiosyncratic reaction?
A drug has a half-life of 12 hours. Approximately how long will it take to reach steady-state levels?
What is about 48–60 hours (4–5 half-lives)?