Pharmacology NR 293 exam 1

Terms in this set (75) Pharmacotherapeutics is the use of medications to prevent illnesses or as an intervention to treat diseases. Pharmacokinetics what the body does to a medication and entails four very important processes: absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the drug Brainpower Pharmacodynamics explores what the drug does to the body. The nursing process evidence-based framework that is used to guide professional nursing practice. The nursing process consists of five steps: assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Critical decision making underscores the nursing process in action. The nurse collects both subjective and objective information in utilizing the steps of the nursing process. The nurse addresses the multifaceted concerns of the patient, including physiological, psychological, spiritual, cultural, and socioeconomic needs. Drug interactions can occur at any time. The reasons that clients may experience drug interactions include polypharmacy: the simultaneous use multiple drugs; patient's lack of knowledge of medication instructions; and interactions that may occur when taking over-the-counter and herbal supplements. Strategies to Prevent Drug Interactions The patient should understand the reason for taking the medication, instructions for how to take the medication, and how long he or she should take the medication. Encourage the patient to keep a current list of medications and bring it to each physician appointment. Educate the patient about interactions with food and other medications that may increase or decrease efficacy. Support the patient in asking his or her healthcare provider and pharmacist to verify his or her medication list, and if supplements or herbal therapies interact. Have the patient return to demonstrate patient teaching regarding how to take the medications.