Pharmacokinetics & Dynamics
What is the difference between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics?
Pharmacokinetics = what the body does to the drug (ADME). Pharmacodynamics = what the drug does to the body.
What is the difference between a generic and brand name drug?
Generic = official, lowercase; Brand = trademark, capitalized
Which organization enforces controlled substance laws?
DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
Which mnemonic helps remember high-alert medications?
A PINCH – Anticoagulants, Potassium, Insulin, Narcotics, Chemotherapy, Heparin
Why should nurses always ask patients about OTC drug use?
To identify possible interactions or misuse
Which route of drug administration is the fastest?
Intravenous (IV)
Give one natural and one inorganic source of drugs
Natural = Digitalis plant; Inorganic = fluoride, gold, iron
What is a Black Box Warning?
FDA’s strictest warning for drugs with potentially severe or fatal adverse effects.
Which high-risk category does morphine fall under?
Narcotics
Why should aspirin not be given to children?
Risk of Reye’s syndrome
A patient with liver disease has trouble metabolizing drugs. Which phase of pharmacokinetics is most affected?
Metabolism
Why are generic drugs usually cheaper than brand-name drugs?
They are not protected by patents.
What are the Five Rights of Medication Administration?
Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time
A nurse gives heparin without double-checking. This is risky because heparin belongs to which high-alert category?
Anticoagulants
Which herbal supplement decreases the effectiveness of oral contraceptives and SSRIs?
St. John’s Wort.
What is the “first-pass effect”?
Oral drugs are partially inactivated by the liver before reaching systemic circulation.
What information is found on a drug label? (Name 3)
Brand/generic name, dosage, expiration date, warnings, refills, quantity.
Which organization accredits healthcare organizations and emphasizes medication safety?
Joint Commission
Why is insulin considered high-alert?
Wrong dose can cause severe hypo- or hyperglycemia, leading to life-threatening complications.
Which herbal supplements can cause hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medications?
Ginseng, fenugreek, juniper berries
Why does malnutrition increase the effect of protein-bound drugs?
Less albumin → fewer binding sites → more free drug → stronger drug effect
What information is NOT included on a drug label?
When the patent expires or the patient’s name.
What’s the difference between negligence and malpractice?
Negligence = failure to meet standard of care (unintentional harm). Malpractice = professional negligence causing harm (e.g., med error)
What should a nurse do immediately after making a medication error?
Assess patient, notify provider, report error, document
True or False: “Natural” supplements are always safe.
False. Natural ≠ safe