Drug Basics
The study of drugs and their effects on the body.
What is pharmacology?
The "R" that means giving the correct amount of medication
What is the Right Dose?
This abbreviation means "by mouth."
What is PO?
An unintended, harmful response to a medication.
What is an adverse drug reaction?
A medication swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system.
What is the oral route?
The name assigned by the manufacturer to market a drug.
What is a brand (trade) name?
The "R" that ensures medication is given to the correct individual.
What is the Right Patient?
This abbreviation means "twice daily."
What is BID?
A patient history item that should always be checked before giving medication.
What are allergies?
A medication delivered through the skin using a patch.
What is the transdermal route?
The active chemical substance in a medication.
What is a generic drug?
The legal record of medications administered to patients.
What is a Medication Administration Record (MAR)?
This abbreviation means "every 6 hours."
What is q6h?
Taking two or more drugs that affect each other.
What is a drug interaction?
An injection given into muscle tissue.
What is the intramuscular (IM) route?
A desired and intended effect of a medication.
What is a therapeutic effect?
Before administering medication, a medical assistant should verify patient allergies and this identifying information.
What are two patient identifiers?
This abbreviation means "as needed."
What is PRN?
The federal agency responsible for approving medications in the United States.
What is the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)?
Medication placed under the tongue for absorption.
What is the sublingual route?
The process by which the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates drugs.
What is pharmacokinetics?
The standard safety practice requiring verification of medication rights before administration.
What are the Rights of Medication Administration?
This abbreviation means "before meals."
What is AC?
A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
What is anaphylaxis?
An injection delivered into the fatty tissue beneath the skin.
What is the subcutaneous (SubQ) route?