Pharmacotherapeutics – Answers: Branch of pharmacology dealing with drug uses for
treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of diseases
Schedule II – Answers Classification for narcotics with high abuse potential and severe
dependence liability
Phase III studies - AnswersInvolves using a drug in a vast clinical population, monitoring patients
closely for adverse effects
Bioavailability - AnswersPortion of a drug dose reaching systemic circulation and available to act
on body cells
Over-the-counter medications - AnswersSpecifically questioned by nurses during patient
assessments of home medication use
General drug information - AnswersKnowledge gained by nurses after completing a
pharmacology course, requiring ongoing education
Pregnancy Category B drug - AnswersIndicates no demonstrated risk to the fetus in animal
studies, lacking adequate studies in pregnant women
Pharmacodynamics - AnswersInvolves how a drug affects the body
Pharmacokinetics - AnswersInvolves how the body acts on a drug
Schedule IV - AnswersClassification for drugs with low abuse potential and limited dependence
liability
Phase I studies - AnswersInvolve healthy human volunteers in drug testing
Critical concentration - AnswersAmount of drug needed to cause a therapeutic effect
Drug half-life - AnswersTime taken for a drug's amount to decrease to half the peak level
Orphan drugs - AnswersMedications for rare diseases
Pharmacoeconomics - AnswersInvolves costs related to drug therapy
Phase II studies - AnswersInvolve patients with the disease intended to be treated by the drug
Brand name drugs - AnswersDrugs with specific binders that may differ from generic drugs
Generic drugs substitution - AnswersConsideration of bioavailability when substituting for brand
name drugs