Pharmacology Exam 1 Study Guide – Comprehensive Review Notes and Exam Preparation Material

Pharmacology Exam 1Pharmacology
Study Guide –
Exam
Comprehensive
1 Study Guide
Review
– Comprehensive
Notes and Exam
Review
Preparation
Notes and
Material.pdf
Exam Preparation Material.pdf 6/23/2026




Pharmacology Exam 1 Study Guide
– Comprehensive Review Notes and
Exam Preparation Material




Pharmacology Exam 1Pharmacology
Study Guide –
Exam
Comprehensive
1 Study Guide
Review
– Comprehensive
Notes and Exam
Review
Preparation
Notes and
Material.pdf
Exam Preparation Material.pdf6/23/2026, 7:56:12 AM

, lOMoARcPSD|44532475




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Pharmacology Exam 1 Study Guide

1. Culture, Ethnicity, and Gender-Pharmacokinetics

 Different ethnic groups metabolize drugs differently due to genetic
variations (pharmacogenomics).

 Example: African Americans may respond differently to beta-blockers
than Caucasians.

 Gender differences impact drug metabolism due to hormonal
influences (e.g., women metabolize alcohol and benzodiazepines
differently).

 Consider cultural beliefs that may affect medication adherence (e.g.,
herbal remedies, fasting during religious periods).

2. Drug History Assessment

 Collect current medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal, and
supplements.

 Ask about allergies, past adverse drug reactions, and family
history of drug responses.

 Identify potential drug interactions or contraindications (e.g.,
grapefruit juice and statins).

3. Medication Error

 Errors occur due to wrong dose, wrong drug, wrong time, or
wrong patient.

 Prevention strategies: Follow The Five Rights, verify calculations,
use Tall Man lettering for look-alike/sound-alike drugs.

 Reporting: Follow institutional protocols and document without blame.

4. Medication Absorption

 Factors Affecting Absorption: Route, pH of stomach, food
interactions, age, blood flow.

 Routes:

o Oral: Absorbed in the GI tract, subject to the first-pass effect.

o IV: Immediate absorption, bypasses the liver.




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o IM/SubQ: Absorption depends on blood flow to the injection site.

5. Rights of Medication Administration

 The 6 Rights:

1. Right patient

2. Right medication

3. Right dose

4. Right route

5. Right time

6. Right documentation

6. Medication Allergy

 Can range from mild (rash, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis).

 Anaphylaxis Signs: Wheezing, swelling, difficulty breathing,
hypotension.

 Interventions: Stop medication, administer epinephrine,
antihistamines, and corticosteroids as needed.

7. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act)

 Protects patient privacy and confidentiality.

 Only share patient information with those directly involved in care.

 Violations can result in legal action.

8. Aging/Pediatrics/Pregnancy

 Aging:

o Reduced renal/liver function leads to slower drug clearance.

o Increased risk of drug toxicity.

 Pediatrics:

o Immature liver/kidneys affect drug metabolism.

o Doses often based on weight (mg/kg).

 Pregnancy:




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o FDA pregnancy categories (A, B, C, D, X—where X is
contraindicated).

o Drugs can cross the placenta and affect fetal development.

9. Medication Administration

 Routes: Oral, IV, IM, SubQ, topical, rectal, inhalation.

 Assess for proper site and technique (e.g., Z-track for IM
injections).

10. Learning Domains

 Cognitive: Knowledge-based learning.

 Affective: Emotional learning, beliefs, and attitudes.

 Psychomotor: Hands-on skills (e.g., giving an injection).

11. Military Time

 Used in healthcare to prevent errors.

 Example: 1:00 PM = 1300, 7:30 AM = 0730.

12. OTC/Herbal Medications

 Can interact with prescription drugs.

 Example: St. John’s Wort reduces the effectiveness of warfarin and
birth control pills.



13. Medications: Mechanism of Action, Adverse Effects,
Contraindications, Desired Outcomes, Nursing Interventions

Neuromuscular Blocking Agents

 MOA: Block transmission at neuromuscular junctions.

 Uses: Muscle paralysis for surgery.

 Adverse Effects: Respiratory depression, hypotension.

 Interventions: Monitor respiratory status, ensure mechanical
ventilation is available.

Carbidopa-Levodopa




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