Pharmacology Flashcards

What is the correct reconstitution principle for IV antibiotics?

Answer: Follow manufacturer instructions for diluent type, volume, concentration, and infusion time

IV antibiotics must be reconstituted with the correct diluent (normal saline vs. dextrose — some antibiotics are incompatible with certain solutions), correct concentration, and administered within the stability window. Incorrect preparation affects potency, stability, and safety.

A patient is prescribed erythromycin. What should the nurse teach about administration?

Answer: Take with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects; avoid macrolide-drug interactions

Erythromycin frequently causes GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping) due to its motilin agonist properties accelerating gut motility. Taking with food reduces GI irritation. Erythromycin inhibits CYP3A4 — important drug-drug interaction to check.

Which route of administration provides the fastest drug action in an emergency?

Answer: Intravenous (IV)

IV administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream, providing immediate bioavailability (100%) and the fastest onset of action. This is why emergency drugs (epinephrine, adenosine, naloxone in arrest) are given IV. Sublingual is next fastest as it bypasses first-pass metabolism.

What does 'drug antagonism' mean?

Answer: One drug decreases or blocks the effect of another drug

Drug antagonism occurs when one drug reduces or blocks the pharmacological effect of another. Competitive antagonists compete for the same receptor (naloxone-opioids); non-competitive antagonists block elsewhere in the pathway. This is the basis for many antidotes.

A nurse is about to give a patient 1000 mg of a drug. The available preparation is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be given?

Answer: 20 mL

Calculation: Required dose ÷ Available dose × Volume = 1000 mg ÷ 250 mg × 5 mL = 4 × 5 mL = 20 mL. Careful dose calculation is essential to prevent medication errors, particularly with liquid preparations in pediatrics and high-risk medications.

What is the purpose of an 'allergy band' on a patient?

Answer: To alert all healthcare providers of documented drug, food, or environmental allergies to prevent accidental exposure

Allergy identification bands provide a universal, immediate visual alert at the point of care — particularly at medication administration, procedures, and emergencies — to prevent exposure to documented allergens. This is a patient safety redundancy that complements electronic allergy records.