Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
(Exam 1)
What is a drug? - ANSany chemical that can affect living processes
-Substance that is capable of interacting with living organisms to produce biological effects (Prescription
drug, Nonprescription drug, Controlled drug: may lead to drug abuse or dependence; use is controlled by
federal, state, and local laws)
Pharmacotherapeutics - ANS-Use of drugs to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease, or prevent pregnancy
-Medical use of drugs
Properties of an Ideal Drug - ANSeffectiveness, safety, selectivity
Drug Safety - ANSThere is no such thing as a safe drug
Other properties of Ideal drugs - ANSReversibility, Predictability, Ease in Administration, Decreased drug
interactions, cost, chemical stability, simple name
What is the ultimate goal of Therapeutic Objective? - ANSWe want drugs to provide maximum benefit
with minimal harm
Factors Determining Intensity of Drug Responses - ANS-Administration (Dosage, route, timing)
-Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)
-Pharmacodynamics (binding to receptors leads to event)
-Individual variations (Physiologic, pathologic, genetic)
Six Rights of Drug Administration - ANSRight drug
, Right patient
Right dose
Right route
Right time
Right documentation
Does your responsibility end after drug administration? - ANSNO
Pharmacology in patient care - ANS-Pre-administration Assessment (baseline data, identify high-risk
patients, assess capacity for self care)
-Dosage and Administration
-Evaluating and promoting therapeutic effects
-Minimizing adverse effects and interactions
-Make PRN (as needed) decisions
-Manage toxicities
Nursing process: Assessment - ANS-Patient interview and history (allergies, medical history, diet, lifestyle,
beliefs, other drugs, capacity for self-care)
-Physical examination, labs, diagnostic test results
-Therapeutic effects and adverse effects or interaction
Nursing Process: Diagnosis - ANS-Identify actual and potential health problems
-Nursing diagnosis related to side effects of drugs
Ex. potential for injury related to dizziness, nursing diagnosis related to lack of knowledge or inability to
adhere to medication regimen
(Exam 1)
What is a drug? - ANSany chemical that can affect living processes
-Substance that is capable of interacting with living organisms to produce biological effects (Prescription
drug, Nonprescription drug, Controlled drug: may lead to drug abuse or dependence; use is controlled by
federal, state, and local laws)
Pharmacotherapeutics - ANS-Use of drugs to diagnose, prevent, or treat disease, or prevent pregnancy
-Medical use of drugs
Properties of an Ideal Drug - ANSeffectiveness, safety, selectivity
Drug Safety - ANSThere is no such thing as a safe drug
Other properties of Ideal drugs - ANSReversibility, Predictability, Ease in Administration, Decreased drug
interactions, cost, chemical stability, simple name
What is the ultimate goal of Therapeutic Objective? - ANSWe want drugs to provide maximum benefit
with minimal harm
Factors Determining Intensity of Drug Responses - ANS-Administration (Dosage, route, timing)
-Pharmacokinetics (Absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion)
-Pharmacodynamics (binding to receptors leads to event)
-Individual variations (Physiologic, pathologic, genetic)
Six Rights of Drug Administration - ANSRight drug
, Right patient
Right dose
Right route
Right time
Right documentation
Does your responsibility end after drug administration? - ANSNO
Pharmacology in patient care - ANS-Pre-administration Assessment (baseline data, identify high-risk
patients, assess capacity for self care)
-Dosage and Administration
-Evaluating and promoting therapeutic effects
-Minimizing adverse effects and interactions
-Make PRN (as needed) decisions
-Manage toxicities
Nursing process: Assessment - ANS-Patient interview and history (allergies, medical history, diet, lifestyle,
beliefs, other drugs, capacity for self-care)
-Physical examination, labs, diagnostic test results
-Therapeutic effects and adverse effects or interaction
Nursing Process: Diagnosis - ANS-Identify actual and potential health problems
-Nursing diagnosis related to side effects of drugs
Ex. potential for injury related to dizziness, nursing diagnosis related to lack of knowledge or inability to
adhere to medication regimen
