Fundamentals of Pharmacology

1. Pharmacokinetics
- study of drug’s changes as it enters and passes through the body.
a. absorption
b. distribution
c. biotransformation
d. excretion

2. Pharmacodynamics
- mechanism by which drugs produce changes in body tissue.
a. desired effect - intended action of drugs
b. adverse effect - harmful unintended reactions
c. side effects – consequence reactions
d. toxicity – the degree which something is poisonous
digoxin = 0.5 – 2.0 ng/mL
lithium = 0.5 – 1.5 mEq/L

Safety and Efficacy
Nursing Principles :
1. Always verify the Five Rights .
a. the right medications
b. the right client
c. the right dosage
d. the right form, route and technique
e. the right time
2. Chart drug administration only after its been given, never before.
3. Never leave the medication on cart or tray unattended.
4. Chart observed therapeutic and adverse effects accurately and fully.
5. Check history for allergies and potential drug interactions before administering a
newly ordered drug.
6. Inform the prescribing physician of any observed adverse effects; if cannot be
located, inform the nursing supervisor
7. Question drug orders that are unclear, that appear to contain errors, or that have
potential to harm.
8. Take the following actions if an error occurs :
a. immediately notify the nursing supervisor, the prescribing physician, and the
pharmacist.
b. assess the client’s condition and provide any necessary care.
9. For postpartum women, advice to take drugs after breastfeeding.
Administration of Drugs :

Routes and Nursing considerations:
1. Enteral – oral, sublingual, rectal, gastric tubes
- capsulated pill, sustained release and enteric coated should not be crushed.
2. Parenteral – IV, IM, SQ, ID, IT, IA, epidural.
- vastus lateralis (safest site for IM)
3. Topical – skin, inhalants, mucus membrane.


Eye medications :
- administer eyedrops first then ointment.
- use a separate bottle for each client.
- instruct the client to tilt the head backward, open eyes and look up.
- avoid contact of medication bottle to the eyeball.
- place prescribed dose in the lower conjunctival sac.
- instruct the client to press the inner canthus for 30-60 seconds.
- instruct the client to close the eye gently.


Ear drops
- in infant and children younger than 3 y.o, pull pinna downward and backward.
- in older children and adult, upward and backward.
- direct the solution on the wall of the ear canal, not directly on the ear drum