click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Robâs set medicati
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Absorption | The taking up of substances into blood and tissues |
Acid | Sour; having properties opposite of alkaline. Unites with bases to form a salt. |
A.C. | Latin abbreviation meaning before meals |
ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic hormone produced by pituitary that stimulates adrenal gland |
Action | Any function or result |
Acute | Disease having a short it severe cause |
ad lib | An abbreviation for whenever desired |
Addiction | A state of Repeated use of a jdrug with an overwhelming need (physical and emotional) for the substance |
Adrenal | Glands located over the kidney. They secrete several hormones such as adrenaline, Cortizone |
Adrenalin | Hormone secreted by adrenal gland. It Is secreted in stress situations, increases heart rate, raises blood pressure, dilates pupils, relaxes bronchioles |
Aerosol | A drug preparation which can be atomized into a fine mist |
Alcohol | A transparent, colorless, liquid which can be used to mix medications/oral or topical |
Aldosterone | A hormone secreted by the adrenal gland that helps an electrolyte regulations |
Alkaline | Base substance, opposite of acid |
Allergy | A hypersensitive reaction acquired through exposure to a foreign body such as drugs |
Analgesic | A substance that relieves pain without causing unconsciousness |
Anaphylaxis | An extreme allergic reaction where respirations are restricted. Unless treated, it can lead to death |
Anemia | A condition with a reduction in oxygen-carrying ability of the blood |
Anesthesia | Lots of pain sensation: 1) general-loss of consciousness to provide loss of pain, 2) local-causes loss of pain to one part of the body |
Angina | Spasmodic pain if the chest caused by decreased circulation of coronary (heart) vessels |
Anorexia | Lack or loss of appetite |
Antacid | A drug substance that counteracts acidity; neutralizing acids of stomach |
Antagonist | A substance that tends to nullify another or works in opposition |
Antiarrhythmic | A drug family that treat and prevents irregular heartbeats |
Antibiotic | A drug family where the drug inhibits the growth or kills bacteria |
Anticholinergic | Drug families that block neuroimpulses. Used in treatment of GL disorders because they slow peristalsis. secretion of acid |
Anticoagulants | Drug family that prevents the clotting of blood |
Anticonvulsant | Drug family that decreases convulsons or seizures |
Antidepressant | Drug family that prevents or treats depression |
Anti-diarrheal | Drug family that treats diarrhea or loose stools |
Anti-emetic | Drug family that treats nausea and prevents vomiting |
Antiistamine | Drug family that treats effects of histamine, which is believed to cause allergies, some treat nausea, as well as cause relaxation |
Anti-inflammatory | Drug family that treats swelling of tissue |
Antipyretic | Drug family that is effective in treating fevers |
Antiseptic | A drug family that inhibits growth of bacteria. There are two groups, physical such as heat and chemical. They are used in treating contaminated items |
Anti-spasmodic | A substance that relieves or prevents spasms |
Antitussive | A substance that decreases cough |
Anxiety | A feeling of uneasiness, fear, or apprehension |
Apothecary weights and measures | An old system of measuring drugs and solutions |
Appendicitis | Infection/inflammation of the appendix, an outoutgrowth of large intestine |
Artery | Vessel that carries blood. Leads away from the heart |
ASA | Abbreviation for acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) |
Ascites | Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity |
Asthma | Disease marked by recurrient attacks, difficulty breathing, wheezing, due to spasms of the bronchi |
Astringent | Drug family that shrinks tissues-reduces oiliness |
Ataxia | Condition where muscles are not coordinated. May be a reaction to some drugs |
Athletes foot | Fungus infection of the feet |
Automatic stop order | A policy whereby a residentâs medication is automatically discontinued if not re-ordered by the physician |
Autonomic | Branch of nervous system that works without conscious control |
Bacteria | Forms of plant life found nearly everywhere. Some bacteria cause disease |
Barbiturate | A group of drugs that relax or induce sleep. In various degrees, they depress the central nervous system. Most are controlled substances |
bid | Abbreviation for twice a day |
Bile | Clear yellow fluid produced by the liver, stored in gallbladder which helps in digestion of fat |
Bladder | Sac that stores materials. Urinary bladder stores urine |
Blood | Fluid that circulates through the body. It is the main means of transport in the body |
Blood pressure | The pressure of the blood against the blood vessel walls |
Bowel | Intestines |
Brain | The part of the nervous system contained within head. It is a mass of spongy gray nerve tissues. The brain contains centers that regulate body processes. |
Bronchus | Any of large passages through which air passes to the lung |
Ca | Symbol for calcium, a mineral |
Capsule | A dissolvable container holding a dosage of a drug |
Caps | Capsule |
Cardiac | The heart |
Cardiovascular system | Refers to the heart and blood vessels |
Cataract | Disease when the lens of the eye becomes opaque. The clouding of the lens may be caused by injuries or inherited factors. Surgical removal is the most effective treatment |
Cathartic | A drug that causes bowel evacuation |
Caustic | Drug family that destroys tissues by burning |
c.c. | Abbreviation for cubic centimeter. It may be used interchangeably with milliliter |
Chemotherapy | Treatment of illness by chemical means. Some drugs are chemotherapeutics |
Chronic | Condition that lasts a long time |
Circulation | Movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels |
Clotting | Formation of substance within wall of blood vessel stopping blood flow |
CNS-Central nervous system | Consisting of brain and spinal column |
Coagulant | Drug family that promotes formation of a clot |
Colon | Part of the large intestine |
Comatose | A state of unconsciousness from which one cannot be awakened |
Congenital | Present at birth |
Constipation | A condition in which waste matter in the bowel is hard to pass |
Constriction | Narrowing of a part |
Contraindication | Any condition that makes the giving of a drug dangerous or undesirable |
Controlled substances act | Federal legislation that regulates manufacture, sale, and use of abused drugs |
Convulsion | Involuntary contractions of muscles-usually company by loss of consciousness |
Corticosteroid | Any of the hormones produced by adrenal cortex |
Cubic centimeter | Liquid measure equal to a milliliter |
Cushingâs Syndrome | A group of symptoms caused by too much secretion of adrenal glands. These include painful, fatty swellings of the body, moonlike facial features, abdominal distention, high blood pressure, general weakness, abnormal body hair growth |
Cystitis | Inflammation and infection of urinary bladder |
D.C. | Abbreviation for discontinue |
DEA | Abbreviation for drug enforcement administration |
Gm, G | abbreviation for gram |
gtt. | Abbreviation for drop |
Habituation | A condition caused by repeated use of a drug with strong desire to continue the use. |
harrison Narcotic Act | Federal Law first enacted in 1915 regulating possession, sale, and purchase of opium derivatives. It was replaced by Controlled Substance Act. |
Hemoglobin | The oxygen-carrying part of blood. Persons with low hemoglobin are said to be anemic. |
hemorrhage | The escape of blood from broken vessel |
heparin | An anticoagulant found in body that slows blood clotting. Heparin is also prepared as a drug to treat diseases characterized by clots. |
Hgb | Symbol for hemoglobin |
histamine | normal body substance. An excess seems to be released when body comes in contact with substance to which it is sensitive. The excess causes sneezing, rash, hives, and other allergies. |
hives | red swelling of the skin that itch and burn (urticaria) |
hormone | A substance produced mainly by the glands, transported by bloodstream, to regulate body processes. |
H.S. | Abbreviation for hour of sleep |
hydrochloric acid | a normal part of gastric juices. It assists in food digestion. An excess is referred to as hyperacidity. |
hyperactivity | Abnormally increased activity or excessive secretion. |
hyperglycemia | An abnormal amount of glucose in blood |
hypertension | high pressure of blood exerted against vessel wall. Vessels are constricted. |
hypnotic | Agents that produce sleep |
hypodermic | medication given beneath the skin |
hypoglycemia | An abnormally low blood sugar |
hypotension | low pressure exerted by blood against blood vessel. Vessels are dilated (large). |
idiosyncrasy | An abnormal reaction to a drug, e.g., usually calms may cause excitement |
IM | intramuscular |
immunization | The process of making a person resistant to a disease |
incoordination | Lack of normal muscle activity |
infection | A disease process caused by microorganisms. Inflammation occurs as a result. |
inflammation | Local response to invasion of microorganisms. There is fluid accumulation, redness, swelling, and the area is warm to the touch. |
inhalation | Method of giving a drug (vapor) by breathing in. |
injection | The forcing of a liquid substance into a part. A needle and syringe are used. Types of injections are intramuscular, subcutaneous, intravenous. |
insomnia | being unable to sleep |
instillation | administering of a liquid by drop. usually in eye or ear |
insulin | A hormone produced by the pancreas, secreted into blood stream to metabolize glucose. In diabetes mellitus, insufficient amonts are secreated, and insulin must be given |
intestine | part of digestive system from opening of stomach to anus |
intravenous | administration of fluid and drug into a vein. The action is very rapid. |
irritant | a substance that stimulates or excites. |
IV | intravenous |
jelly | a soft spreadable substance |
kidney | one of the two bean-shaped organs which form urine and separate out waste/water products |
lanolin | wool fat or wool grease that is used in some drug products |
laxative | An agent that assists in passage of fecal material from the bowel. |
lethal dose | The amount of a drug that will cause death |
liniment | a drug preparation in an oily, soapy, or alcoholic preparation to be rubbed on the skin |
liquid | A preparation that flows freely |
liter | unit of liquid measure in metric system approximately equal to a quart |
louse | name of parasitic insect. Lice live on hosts blood and tend to attach self to hair |
lozenge | A medicated tablet that is dissolved in the mouth |
M | abbreviation for minimum |
medicine | A substance used for diagnosis, treatment, relief of symptoms of diseases. |
Menieres Disease | A disorder of the inner ear causing ringing, headache, dizziness. |
mEq | milliequivalent- a liquid measure in metric system |
metabolism | The intake of food, its change to useable form, and its use by body cells to maintain life. |
Mg | abbreviation of milligram |
microorganism | An organism that can be seen under a microscope: bacteria, rickettsiae, verus, fungs, and protozoa. |
milk | a liquid combined with a drug (emulsion or suspension) which is white in appearance |
milligram (mg) | A unit of weight measure in metric system 1000 mg = 1 gram |
milliliter (mL) | A unit of liquid measure in metric system. same as c.c. |
mineral | substance naturally occurring in nature. Minerals are also electrolytes |
minim | smallest unit of liquid measure in apothecary system (similar to drop) |
mixture | a combination of different drugs |
mucous | fluid-like secretion of mucous membrane |
myocardial | muscle of the heart |
Na | symbol for salt |
narcotic | drugs that are opium-like derivatives. they depress CNS and are addictive. Most are used as analgesics and since they are prone to abuse, they are a controlled substance |
National Formulary | A book of standards for pharmaceutical preparations not included in the US Phannacopeia. Revised every five years. recognized as book of official standards by Pure Food and Drug Act. |
Nausea | An uncomfortable sensation of GI tract with a tendency to vomit |
nebulizer | a device for applying a spray |
NPO | abbreviation for nothing by mouth |
OD | abbreviation for right eye |
ointment | semisolid preparation for external application to the body, such as vaseline. |
opaque | Light rays will not pass through or penetrate. cannot see through |
oral | giving a medication by mouth |
organ | cells and tissues formed to a body part that performs a special function |
os | abbreviation for mouth |
OS | abbreviation for left eye |
OTC | over the counter |
OU | both eyes |
oz. | ounce |
pain | a feeling of agony or distress caused by stimulation of special nerve endings. Purpose is for protection. warning that body is being damaged |
pallor | paleness of skin |
palpitation | rapid heart beat |
parasite | plant or animal that lives on another |
parenteral | given by injection |
parkinsonism | a disorder with parkinson symptoms-masklike face, fine tremor of extremities, sliding gait. |
p.c. | abbreviation for after meals |
pediculicide | an agent that destroys lice |
peripheral | in the nervous system, nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. |
peristalsis | the involuntary wavelike contractions of the GI tract and other hollow structures to move contents. |
Per os | by mouth |
pH | symbol describing the acid/base of a substance |
pharmaceutical | a drug preparation |
physician | the licensed health professional responsible for diagnosing and treating patients |
pharmacist | the licensed health professional who prepares, sells, or dispenses drugs |
pituitary | the master gland located in the head. it is called master because it regulates other glands |
PM | abbreviation for afternoon |
PO | abbreviation for per os or by mouth |
poison | a substance when absorbed that causes damage to the body |
potentiation | when two or more drugs are combined and together their effect is greater than if used alone. smaller doses are needed to get same effect |
prescription | a doctor's written order for a drug. Must contain patient's name, drug name, dosage, times to be taken, and number of doses |
PRN | when needed |
pulmonary | refers to the lungs |
pupil | the opening in the center of the iris (eye) |
purgative | an agent that causes evacuation of the bowel |
QD | every day |
QH | every hour |
Q2H | every two hours |
QID | four times a day |
rash | skin eruption, usually temporary. May be an allergic reaction to a drug |
RBC | red blood cell |
rectum | the end of the large intestine |
relaxant | agent that causes relaxation |
respiration | the exhange of O2 and CO2 in the lungs |
saline | salt solution. Normal body fluid is 0.9% of sodium chloride |
secretion | the process by which cells give off a product |
sedative | a drug that calms, relives anxiety, nervousness. These generally depress the CNS |
solid | drug form that maintains shape |
solution | a liquid preparation of one or more dissolved substances |
spansule | solid drug preparation made so parts dissolve at various times. |
spray | a stream of air and liquid medication given by an atomizer |
sputum | mucous secretions in the respiratory tract, lungs, bronchi |
ss | abbreviation for one half |
stat | at once |
sterile | free from living microorganisms |
stimulant | an agent that increases the activity, excites. some stimulate CNS |
Sub q | subcutaneous injection |
sublingual | dissolve under the tongue |
suspension | a drug preparation of undissolved substances throughout a liquid. Shake before pouring. |
symptom | a sign or indication of a disease |
syndrome | a combination of symptoms coming from a single cause |
synergist | a drug that with another enhances the effect |
syrup | a concentrated solution of sugar combined with drugs to make it taste good |
tab | tablet |
tablet | a solid form of a drug preparation |
testosterone | one of the male sex hormones |
therapy | the method used to treat a disorder or disease |
tid | three times a day |
tincture | an alcoholic solution mixed with a drug |
tolerance | more and more drug needed to get same effect |
TPR | temperature, pulse, respiration |
tr | tincture |
tranqualizer | a group of drugs that calm a person who is anxious |
tremor | an involuntary trembling of hands, arms, and legs |
unconsciousness | lack of response to stimuli |
urine | fluid containing waste and water secreted by kidneys |
US Phannacopoeia (USP) | a legally recognized list of standard drugs |
urticaria | hives. red eruptions on the skin |
vaccine | a drug administered to prevent a disease, such as measles |
vasoconstrictor | a drug that causes narrowing of blood vessels. raises blood pressure |
vasodilator | a drug that enlarges the blood vessels. Lowers blood pressure. |
vertigo | a feeling of movement of self or surroundings, dizziness |
vial | a small glass container |
virus | a minute agent that causes diseases |
vitamin | a substance found in food products that aids in growth and health |
vol | abbreviation for volume |
vomiting | forced ejection of the stomach contents |
WBC | white blood cells |
Decongestant | Family of drugs that reduce the swelling and congestion usual of nasal membranes. These drugs can be inhaled given as a spray, or some work systemically and are given by oral administration |
Deficiency | A condition in which there is a lack or shortage of a substance generally well supplied such as a vitamin deficiency or hormone deficiency |
Dependency | The psychological need for a drug in which drug is needed to prevent withdrawal. |
Depressant | A drug that slows down the normal functioning or activity of entire body or specific functions |
Dermis | The skin |
Detergent | A drug that purifies or cleanses |
Diabetes Mellitus | A disease in which the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to use the carbohydrate. high blood sugar and sugar in the urine are symptoms of this hyperglycemia |
Diagnose | The process of determining or identifying disease. The physician is the health professional qualified to do this |
Diarrhea | The rapid movement of waste material through intestine. Generally the material is semi liquid or liquid. |
Digestion | The process of converting food into its various parts that can be absorbed into blood, carried to the body cells, and used to maintain life |
Dilation | The condition in which an opening ( eye pupil, blood vessel) is opened or enlarged |
Disease | A morbid condition existing that is not normal with an accompanying set of symptoms |
Disinfectant | A family of drugs that destroy infection-producing organisms |
Dissolve | The process in which a solid substance is passed into a solution |
Diuretic | A family of drugs that increases urine output, thus relieving tissue swelling (edema) |
Dizziness | A feeling of unsteadiness, sensation of movement within the head. |
Dosage | The size, frequency, and amount of the medication to be given |
Dram | Fluid dram a unit of measure in the apothecary system. Is approximately equal to a teaspoon |
Drop | A small circle of liquid as it hangs or falls. |
Drug | Any substance that is given as an aid to diagnosis, prevention, treatment, replacement, alleviation of symptoms in disease conditions. |
Dyscrasia | An unhealthy condition usually referring to some type of imbalance |
Eczema | A condition in which there is inflammation of skin. The skin is red, itches, has oozing and crusting. |
Edema | An abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissue |
Electrolyte | substances that play an important role in cell function and in maintaining acid â base balance. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium |
Elixir | A clear sweet alcohol preparation containing a drug |
Emollient | A substance that soothes and softens. |
Enteric-coated | A special coating put on tablets which prevents release and absorption until the drug reaches intestine. |
Epilepsy | A disease of nervous system characterized by convulsive seizures |
Epinephrine | A hormone produced by adrenal gland (adrenaline). |
Equivalent | Of the same amount or value |
Estrogen | The female sex hormone produced by ovaries |
Euphoria | A feeling of well being. Absence of stress |
Excrete | To separate and eliminate or discharge from blood or tissues. |
Expectorant | A substance that promotes the ability to cough secretions up and out of respiratory tract. |
External | Situated or occurring on the outside. |
Extract | A concentrated preparation of a drug. |
Feces | Waste discharged from intestines |
Ferrous | Substance containing iron |
Fever | Abnormally high body temperatures. |
Fluid balance | A state when amount of body water and elements (electrolytes, etc) are within normal. |
Flushed | Redness of the face and neck. |
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) | An agency of HEW whose principle purpose is to enforce the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. |
Fungicide | An agent that kills fungus |
Fungus | A name given group of yeast, mold like plants found in soil,air, water. A few cause diseases such as ringworm, athletes foot, histoplasmosis, and thrush. |
Gallbladder | Organ located below liver that stores bile. |
Gargle | A solution for rinsing mouth and throat. |
Gastric | Pertaining to stomach |
Gland | A cellular structure specialized to secrete substances (hormone) necessary for body functioning. |
Glaucoma | A group of eye diseases where there is increased pressure which changes the ability to see and if not treated leads to blindness (miotics are drugs of choice). |
Glucose | Simple sugar found in bloodstream |
Goiter | Enlargement of thyroid gland usually caused by lack of iodine |
Grain | The smallest measure of weight in the apothecary system. Abbreviation gr. |