lOMoARcPSD|44532475
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:
Downloaded by madiba South Africa stuvia ()
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.
Downloaded by madiba South Africa stuvia ()
, lOMoARcPSD|44532475
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:
Downloaded by madiba South Africa stuvia ()
