Medications and Their Administration

1
Medications and Their Administration

• Chapter 7

2
Medical Nomenclature

• Generic name identifies the chemical family
• Trade name given to a drug by a manufacturer
• PDR physicians desk reference reference book
  that lists drugs alphabetically, by trade name
  and according to their uses

3
Medication Properties

• Pharmacokinetics how drugs enter the body, are
  absorbed, reach their site of action and are
  metabolized physiologic action of medication
• Absorption process by which a drug enters the
  systemic circulation in order to provide a
  desired effect
• Distribution means by which a drug travels from
  site of absorption to site of action
• Excretion elimination of drugs from the body
  after they have been metabolized
• Toxicity effect that can occur when there is
  impaired kidney function, dehydration or
  insufficient fluid intake drugs are retained in
  the body and can build up common in elderly
  Drug that treats toxic effects is an antidote.
• Pharmacodynamics study of the effects of drugs
  on normal physiological functions of the body

4
Medication Effects

• Idiosyncratic reaction patient underreacts or
  overreacts to a drug or has an unusual reaction.
• Allergic reaction occurs when a patient has
  been sensitized to the initial dose and develops
  an allergic response to the allergen and related
  drugs
• Synergistic effect when certain drugs are taken
  together and produce effects far beyond the
  desired outcome

5
Common Medications

• Medications for allergic reactions
  diphenhydramine (Benadryl), epinephrine
  (Adrenalin), methylprednisone (Solu-medrol)
  Solu-medrol minimizes the possibility of
  respiratory arrest by reducing swelling of the
  bronchial tree
• Antimicrobials alcohol and betadine,
  antibiotics
• Anticonvulsants prescribed for patients with
  chronic seizure disorders (diazepam- valium this
  will be found on the crash cart)
• Antiarrhythmics used to treat chronic cardiac
  arrythmias (lidocaine)
• Analgesics pain relievers with no loss of
  consicousness (demerol and morphine) CNS
  depression
• Controlled substance drugs with high potential
  for abuse
• Sedatives and tranquilizers sleep inducing
  anxiety reduction valium and versed are common
  sedatives in the radiology department can also
  cause respiratory depression

6
More Meds

• Antagonist drug that counteracts the effects of
  sedatives and analgesics (Flumazenil and Narcan)
• Local Anesthetic lidocaine (xyolocaine)
  constricts the blood vessels in a localized area
• Succinylcholine chloride given as a skeletal
  muscular relaxant for purposes like the insertion
  of ET tubes all muscles are temporarily
  paralyzed. Used on patients who are combative
  from fear, shock, intoxication.
• Anticholinergenics drugs given to suppress
  secretions before and during surgery

7
The 5 Rights of Medication Administration

• Right dose
• Right medication
• Right patient
• Right time
• Right route
• Read all labels 3 times before administration
  check the expiration date.

8
Routes of Administration

• Enteral route oral, sublingual, rectal, oral
  and NG tube (example of sublingual is
  nitroglycerin under the tongue for angina
  pectoris)
• Parenteral medications are injected directly
  into the body intradermal, subcutaneous,
  intramuscular, intravenously (most rapid effect
  from administration)

9
Injection Buzz Words

• Ampule
• Vial
• Butterfly set
• Iv catheters
• Intermittent injection port (heparin or saline
  lock)
• Extravasation or infiltration
• Hydrostatic pressure
• Infusion

10
IV Starting Facts

• After injecting meds into a port, it needs to be
  flushed with saline or heparin
• Some common sites for IV placement include
  median cubital vein and the basilic
• The proper height for IV bag or bottle is 18-20
  inches above the vein
• Once a needle is removed from the vein, hold
  pressure or a hematoma may result
• If extravasation occurs, remove the needle and
  apply cold compress