A physician orders a pain medication for a patient “as needed.” What type of order is this, and how does it differ from a standing order?
This is a PRN order. Unlike a standing order (routine, given at set times), a PRN order requires clinical judgment—given only when the patient’s condition warrants it.
If a drug is ordered q4h, what does this mean?
The drug should be administered every 4 hours, around the clock if needed.
How does q4h differ from qid?
q4h = every 4 hours (up to 6 doses in 24 hrs).
qid = 4 times daily (usually spaced during waking hours, not necessarily every 6 hours).
A physician orders a medication to be taken three times a day. What abbreviation is used, and how might this differ from q8h?
TID = three times daily (generally during waking hours, e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner). q8h = every 8 hours (scheduled evenly over 24 hours).
In a surgical setting, why might an anesthetic in gas form be preferable to a liquid or solid?
Gaseous anesthetics allow for rapid induction and recovery, giving anesthesia providers tighter control over depth and duration of anesthesia. also, gas is absorbed rapidly, allowing almost immediate entry into the bloodstream.
What abbreviation indicates an ointment form of a drug?
ung (from Latin unguentum).
What abbreviation indicates that a drug should be given orally?
PO (per os = “by mouth”).
Why might a drug ordered PO have a slower onset than the same drug ordered IV?
PO medications undergo absorption in the GI tract and first-pass metabolism in the liver, delaying and reducing drug availability compared to IV, which delivers the drug directly into circulation.
A medication administered by any route except the mouth is described as what?
Parenteral administration.
Through what body system is drug distribution primarily carried out?
The circulatory system.
Why is cardiac output an important factor in drug distribution?
Drugs rely on blood flow for transport; decreased cardiac output can reduce delivery of drugs to tissues, altering effectiveness and dosing needs.
What term describes the time between drug administration and the first appearance of its effects?
Onset of action.
How does “onset” differ from “peak effect” and “duration”?
Onset = when drug effects first appear.
Peak effect = when the drug reaches maximum effect.
Duration = how long the drug’s effects last.
What group of drugs is known as receptor blockers?
Antagonists.
How do antagonists differ from agonists?
Agonists activate receptors to produce a response.
Antagonists block receptors, preventing activation and effect.
What do we call an expected but unintended effect of a drug?
A side effect.
How do side effects differ from adverse or idiosyncratic effects?
Side effect = predictable, unintended (e.g., drowsiness with antihistamines).
Adverse effect = harmful, undesirable, may require discontinuation.
Idiosyncratic effect = rare, unpredictable, often genetic in nature.
What drug form is used the least in the surgical department?
Solid
Most drugs are excreted and eliminated by what organ?
Kidney
The abbreviation NPO represents:
Nothing by mouth
What drug is given as an antidote to warfarin?
Vitamin K
Volatile anesthetic agents are eliminated from the body via:
the lungs
Why would a local anesthetic, injected into an infected wound, not produce the intended effect?
Because the local anesthetic could not reach the site of action
What federal action sets the standards for quality and requires proper medication labeling for preparations containing morphine?
Pure Food and Drug Act
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Basic Pharmacology71
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Medication Development, Regulation, and Resources26
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Medication Administration19
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Antibiotics75
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Diagnostic Agents30
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Diuretics21
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Hormones42
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Medications That Affect Coagulation27
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Ophthalmic Agents52
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Fluids and Irrigation Solutions52
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Antineoplastic Chemotherapy Agents22
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Preoperative Medications30
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Patient Monitoring and Local and Regional Anesthesia38
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General Anesthesia42
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Emergency Situations34
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Midterm Examination Prep96
