Pharmacology & Drug Administration Flashcards

A patient is prescribed a medication 'PRN.' What does this mean?

Answer: Give the medication as needed

PRN is a Latin abbreviation for 'pro re nata,' meaning the medication should be given only when the patient requires it.

Which route of drug administration delivers medication directly into muscle tissue?

Answer: Intramuscular

Intramuscular (IM) injections deliver medication into muscle tissue, allowing for moderate absorption speed.

A healthcare aide notices a medication label is smudged and unreadable. What is the correct action?

Answer: Do not administer and notify the nurse immediately

An unreadable label is a safety concern; the aide must not administer the medication and should report it to the nurse immediately.

Which of the following is an example of a topical medication route?

Answer: Applying a medicated patch to the skin

Topical medications are applied directly to the skin surface, such as ointments, creams, or transdermal patches.

What is the term for an unexpected, harmful reaction to a medication?

Answer: Adverse drug reaction

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an unintended and harmful response that occurs at normal therapeutic doses.

A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What should the healthcare aide do?

Answer: Respect the refusal, document it, and report to the nurse

Patients have the right to refuse medication; the aide must document the refusal and notify the supervising nurse.

Which abbreviation on a medication order means 'twice daily'?

Answer: BID

BID stands for 'bis in die,' the Latin term for twice a day.