Pharmacology Fundamentals Flashcards

A provider asks a patient about their 'PRN medications.' What does PRN mean?

Answer: As needed — medication taken when required based on symptoms rather than a fixed schedule

PRN is Latin for 'pro re nata' and means 'as needed' in clinical use; the interpreter should render this accurately.

What is the significance of understanding drug 'contraindications' for a healthcare interpreter?

Answer: Interpreters who understand contraindications can accurately interpret provider warnings about which drugs should not be used with the patient's specific conditions

Understanding contraindications helps interpreters accurately convey provider warnings about drug safety, which is critical for preventing medication errors in LEP patients.

A nurse instructs a patient to take a medication 'with food.' The patient asks if a small snack counts. The interpreter should:

Answer: Interpret the patient's question to the nurse and interpret the nurse's response to the patient

Clinical questions about medication administration must be directed to the provider or nurse, not independently answered by the interpreter.

What does 'generic versus brand name' mean in pharmacology, and why might an interpreter encounter this distinction?

Answer: Generic drugs contain the same active ingredient as brand-name drugs; interpreters may need to interpret discussions about cost, substitution, or patient familiarity with different drug names

The generic/brand name distinction is commonly encountered during prescription counseling, pharmacy discussions, or medication substitution.

What is polypharmacy, and why is it particularly important to interpret accurately in elderly patient encounters?

Answer: Polypharmacy is the concurrent use of multiple medications; accurate interpretation is critical because drug interactions in elderly patients can cause serious adverse effects

Polypharmacy carries significant risks for elderly patients due to increased drug interactions; accurate interpretation ensures these risks are communicated clearly.

A patient mentions taking a herbal supplement that may interact with a prescribed medication. The interpreter should:

Answer: Accurately interpret the patient's disclosure to the provider so the provider can assess the potential interaction

All relevant health information the patient discloses — including herbal supplement use — must be accurately interpreted so the provider can assess potential drug interactions.