Introduction to Pharmacology

Overview Pharmaceutics Pharmacokinetics Pharmacodynamics

Pharmaceutics Different dosage forms have different pharmaceutical properties. –Drug absorption of various preparations LiquidsFastest Powders Tablets  Enteric-coated tabletsSlowest

Pharmacokinetics Absorption –Bioavailability –First Pass Effect Distribution Metabolism Excretion

Pharmacodynamics Onset, Peak, & Duration –Onset - time it takes for a therapeutic response. –Peak – maximum therapeutic response –Duration – length of time that drug [ ] is sufficient Agonists & Antagonists

More Pharmacology Therapeutic Window Peak & Trough Levels Loading Dose

Pharmacodynamics Side Effects Adverse Reactions Toxic effects/Toxicity

Nursing Implications Assessment Implementation (types of therapies) –Acute –Maintenance –Supplemental –Palliative –Supportive –Prophylactic

Nursing Implications Monitoring –Therapeutic index –Drug [ ] –Patient’s condition –Tolerance and Dependence –Interactions

Life Span Considerations Polypharmacy and Drug Use Physiologic Changes –Slowed gastric emptying –Gastric pH is less acidic –GFR decreased by 40-50%

Sample Question A client complains of pain and asks the nurse for pain medication. The nurse first assesses vital signs and finds them to be as follows: BP 134/92, pulse 90, and respirations 20. The nurse’s most appropriate action is to: A. Give the medication B. Ask if the client is anxious C. Check the client dressing for bleeding D. Recheck the clients vital signs in 30 minutes

Sample Question A client is nauseated, has been vomiting for several hours, and needs to receive an antinausea medication. The nurse recognizes that which of the following is accurate? A. An enteric-coated medication should be given. B. Medication will not be absorbed as easily because of the nausea. C. A parental route is the route of choice. D. A rectal suppository must be administered