Chapter 13 - Pharmacology (Nancy Caroline's Emergency
Care in the Streets 8th Edition
3 Names Every Medication Has - Chemical, generic, brand
4 Possible Actions when a medication binds with a receptor site - 1. channels permitting
passage of ions are opened or closed
2. biochemical messenger becomes activated, initiating other chemical reactions within the cell
3. normal cell function prevented
4. normal or abnormal function of a cell begins
absolute refractory period - The early phase of cardiac repolarization, wherein the heart muscle
cannot be stimulated to depolarize; aka: effective refractory period
Absorption - the process by which the molecules of a substance are moved from the site of
entry or administration into systemic circulation
Acetylcholinesterase - enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine
active metabolite - A medication that has undergone biotransformation and is able to alter a
cellular process or body function.
active transport - the process of molecules binding with carrier proteins when energy is used to
move the molecules against a concentration gradient
addition/summation (medication interaction) - joint effect EQUALS sum of the effect of each of
the drugs given alone. 1+1=2
, adverse effect - abnormal or harmful effect to an organism caused by exposure to a chemical. It
is indicated by some result such as death, a change in food or water consumption, altered body
or organ weights, altered enzyme levels, or visible illness.
affinity - ability of a medication to bind with a particular receptor site.
agonist medications - The group of medications that initiates or alters a cellular activity by
attaching to receptor sites, prompting a cellular response.
AHA Classification of Recommendations and Level of Evidence - Class I - Class Indeterminate.
I - strong evidence;
Class IIa - moderate evidence;
Class IIb - weak evidence;
Class III - evidence does not support a benefit/harmful consequence possible
Class indeterminate - cannot recommend for or against
Alpha 1 receptors - Vasoconstriction of arteries and veins
Alpha 2 receptors - Insulin restriction
Glucagon secretion
Inhibition of norepinephrine release
Altered absorption (medication interaction) - The action of one medication increases or
decreases the ability of another medication to be absorbed by the body.
altered distribution (medication interaction) - presence of one medication alters the area
available for the distribution of another medication in the body. Musical chairs.
Care in the Streets 8th Edition
3 Names Every Medication Has - Chemical, generic, brand
4 Possible Actions when a medication binds with a receptor site - 1. channels permitting
passage of ions are opened or closed
2. biochemical messenger becomes activated, initiating other chemical reactions within the cell
3. normal cell function prevented
4. normal or abnormal function of a cell begins
absolute refractory period - The early phase of cardiac repolarization, wherein the heart muscle
cannot be stimulated to depolarize; aka: effective refractory period
Absorption - the process by which the molecules of a substance are moved from the site of
entry or administration into systemic circulation
Acetylcholinesterase - enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine
active metabolite - A medication that has undergone biotransformation and is able to alter a
cellular process or body function.
active transport - the process of molecules binding with carrier proteins when energy is used to
move the molecules against a concentration gradient
addition/summation (medication interaction) - joint effect EQUALS sum of the effect of each of
the drugs given alone. 1+1=2
, adverse effect - abnormal or harmful effect to an organism caused by exposure to a chemical. It
is indicated by some result such as death, a change in food or water consumption, altered body
or organ weights, altered enzyme levels, or visible illness.
affinity - ability of a medication to bind with a particular receptor site.
agonist medications - The group of medications that initiates or alters a cellular activity by
attaching to receptor sites, prompting a cellular response.
AHA Classification of Recommendations and Level of Evidence - Class I - Class Indeterminate.
I - strong evidence;
Class IIa - moderate evidence;
Class IIb - weak evidence;
Class III - evidence does not support a benefit/harmful consequence possible
Class indeterminate - cannot recommend for or against
Alpha 1 receptors - Vasoconstriction of arteries and veins
Alpha 2 receptors - Insulin restriction
Glucagon secretion
Inhibition of norepinephrine release
Altered absorption (medication interaction) - The action of one medication increases or
decreases the ability of another medication to be absorbed by the body.
altered distribution (medication interaction) - presence of one medication alters the area
available for the distribution of another medication in the body. Musical chairs.
