TERMS TO KNOW
Urticaria – hives – allergic reaction caused by an allergy to a medication
Superinfection – infections that occur when opportunistic pathogens that were kept in check by the
“normal” bacteria have the opportunity to invade tissues and cause infections because the normal flora
bacteria have been destroyed by antibiotic therapy
Clostridium difficile - infections has been associated with the use of specific antibiotics. If patients
receive drugs that are known to induce superinfections, they should be monitored closely for any signs of
a new infection—sore patches in the mouth, vaginal itching, diarrhea—and the appropriate treatment for
any superinfection should be started as soon as possible.
Photosensitivity – sensitivity to light/sunlight
Poisoning – occurs when an overdose of a drug damages multiple body systems, leading to the potential
for fatal reactions. Assessment parameters vary with the particular drug. Treatment of drug poisoning also
varies, depending on the drug. Throughout this book, specific antidotes or treatments for poisoning are
identified, if known. Emergency and life support measures often are needed in severe cases.
Hypersensitivity – excessive responsiveness to either the primary or the secondary effects of a drug; may
be caused by a pathological condition or, in the absence of one, by a particular patient’s individual
response
dermatologic reaction – skin reactions commonly seen as adverse effects of drugs; can range from
simple rash to potentially fatal exfoliative dermatitis
renal injury – The glomerulus in the kidney has a very small capillary network that filters the blood into
the renal tubule. Some drug molecules are just the right size to get plugged into the capillary network,
causing acute inflammation and severe renal problems. Some drugs are excreted from the kidney
unchanged; they have the potential to directly irritate the renal tubule and alter normal absorption and
secretion processes. Gentamicin (generic), a potent antibiotic, is frequently associated with renal toxicity.
teratogenicity – the effect a drug can have on a pregnant woman’s fetus.
assessment – collecting Dx history, Medication History, Dietary History, and a Physical assessment.
Assessment - (gathering information) is the first step of the nursing process. This involves systematic,
organized collection of data about the patient. Because the nurse is responsible for holistic care, data must
include information about physical, intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and environmental factors.
When viewed together, this information provides the nurse with the facts needed to plan educational and
discharge programs, arrange for appropriate consultations, and monitor the physical response to treatment
or to disease
nursing diagnosis – statement of an actual or potential problem, based on the assessment of a particular
clinical situation, which directs needed nursing interventions
nursing process – the problem-solving process used to provide efficient nursing care; it involves
gathering information, formulating a nursing diagnosis statement, prioritizing the diagnoses, developing
goals and desired outcomes for the patient, carrying out interventions, and evaluating the process
(ADPIE)
implementation – actions undertaken to meet a patient’s needs, such as administration of drugs, comfort
measures, or patient teaching
Urticaria – hives – allergic reaction caused by an allergy to a medication
Superinfection – infections that occur when opportunistic pathogens that were kept in check by the
“normal” bacteria have the opportunity to invade tissues and cause infections because the normal flora
bacteria have been destroyed by antibiotic therapy
Clostridium difficile - infections has been associated with the use of specific antibiotics. If patients
receive drugs that are known to induce superinfections, they should be monitored closely for any signs of
a new infection—sore patches in the mouth, vaginal itching, diarrhea—and the appropriate treatment for
any superinfection should be started as soon as possible.
Photosensitivity – sensitivity to light/sunlight
Poisoning – occurs when an overdose of a drug damages multiple body systems, leading to the potential
for fatal reactions. Assessment parameters vary with the particular drug. Treatment of drug poisoning also
varies, depending on the drug. Throughout this book, specific antidotes or treatments for poisoning are
identified, if known. Emergency and life support measures often are needed in severe cases.
Hypersensitivity – excessive responsiveness to either the primary or the secondary effects of a drug; may
be caused by a pathological condition or, in the absence of one, by a particular patient’s individual
response
dermatologic reaction – skin reactions commonly seen as adverse effects of drugs; can range from
simple rash to potentially fatal exfoliative dermatitis
renal injury – The glomerulus in the kidney has a very small capillary network that filters the blood into
the renal tubule. Some drug molecules are just the right size to get plugged into the capillary network,
causing acute inflammation and severe renal problems. Some drugs are excreted from the kidney
unchanged; they have the potential to directly irritate the renal tubule and alter normal absorption and
secretion processes. Gentamicin (generic), a potent antibiotic, is frequently associated with renal toxicity.
teratogenicity – the effect a drug can have on a pregnant woman’s fetus.
assessment – collecting Dx history, Medication History, Dietary History, and a Physical assessment.
Assessment - (gathering information) is the first step of the nursing process. This involves systematic,
organized collection of data about the patient. Because the nurse is responsible for holistic care, data must
include information about physical, intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and environmental factors.
When viewed together, this information provides the nurse with the facts needed to plan educational and
discharge programs, arrange for appropriate consultations, and monitor the physical response to treatment
or to disease
nursing diagnosis – statement of an actual or potential problem, based on the assessment of a particular
clinical situation, which directs needed nursing interventions
nursing process – the problem-solving process used to provide efficient nursing care; it involves
gathering information, formulating a nursing diagnosis statement, prioritizing the diagnoses, developing
goals and desired outcomes for the patient, carrying out interventions, and evaluating the process
(ADPIE)
implementation – actions undertaken to meet a patient’s needs, such as administration of drugs, comfort
measures, or patient teaching
