ABCN Pharmacology Fundamentals

Question 1

What are the "Five Rights" of medication administration?

Accepted Answer

Right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time

Answer

The Five Rights are a fundamental safety framework for medication administration to prevent errors.

Question 2

What does the term "half-life" refer to in pharmacology?

Accepted Answer

The time it takes for the drug concentration to decrease by 50%

Answer

Half-life is the time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by one-half, affecting dosing schedules.

Question 3

What is a drug contraindication?

Accepted Answer

A condition that makes a particular treatment inadvisable

Answer

A contraindication is a specific situation where a drug should not be used because it may cause harm.

Question 4

What is the difference between a side effect and an adverse reaction?

Accepted Answer

Side effects are expected; adverse reactions are harmful and unexpected

Answer

Side effects are predictable secondary effects, while adverse reactions are unexpected harmful responses to medication.

Question 5

Why is it important to check for drug allergies before administration?

Accepted Answer

To prevent potentially life-threatening allergic reactions

Answer

Checking allergies prevents serious reactions including anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not identified beforehand.

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