1. The six rights of drug safety are:
a. Right patient: Ensuring that the medication is prescribed and administered to the correct patient.
b. Right drug: Confirming that the medication being administered is the correct one, as prescribed by the healthcare provider.
c. Right dose: Administering the medication at the correct dosage, as prescribed, to prevent under or overdosing.
d. Right route: Ensuring that the medication is administered through the appropriate route, such as oral, intravenous, or topical, as specified by the healthcare provider.
e. Right time: Administering the medication at the prescribed time intervals, considering factors like frequency and duration.
f. Right documentation: Accurately documenting the administration of medication, including the date, time, dosage, and any observations or outcomes.
2. Vasodilator drugs are substances that cause the blood vessels to dilate or widen, which leads to increased blood flow and a decrease in blood pressure. They are commonly used to treat conditions such as hypertension and angina. On the other hand, vasoconstrictor drugs are substances that cause the blood vessels to constrict or narrow, leading to a decrease in blood flow and an increase in blood pressure. They are often used to treat conditions such as nasal congestion and hypotension.
3. The therapeutic effect of analgesic drugs is pain relief. These medications work by reducing pain signals or altering the perception of pain in the brain. Analgesics can be classified into different categories, including non-opioid analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine, oxycodone).
4. An antihistamine drug is a medication that counteracts the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines block the action of histamine receptors, helping to reduce symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, and hives. They are commonly used to treat allergies, hay fever, and certain skin conditions.
5. Antiarrhythmic drugs are medications used to manage abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias. These drugs work by regulating the electrical signals in the heart, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm and preventing potentially dangerous arrhythmias. They can be classified into different classes based on their specific mechanisms of action.
6. Diuretic drugs, also known as water *****, are medications that increase urine production and promote the excretion of excess water and electrolytes from the body. They are commonly prescribed to manage conditions such as hypertension, edema (fluid retention), and certain kidney disorders. By increasing urine output, diuretics help reduce fluid volume and lower blood pressure.
7. Antiemetic drugs are used to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. They are commonly prescribed in situations such as motion sickness, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, post-operative nausea, and gastroenteritis. Antiemetics work by blocking certain receptors in the brain that trigger the vomiting reflex or by reducing the activity of the stomach and intestines.
8. Bronchodilators are medications that relax and widen the airways in the lungs, making it easier to breathe. They are primarily used in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchitis. Bronchodilators can be classified into short-acting or long-acting agents and are available in various forms, including inhalers, nebulizers, and tablets.
9. Sedative drugs, also known as tranquilizers or hypnotics, are medications that are primarily used to induce relaxation, reduce anxiety, and promote sleep. They work by depressing the central nervous system, resulting in a calming effect. Sedatives can be prescribed for short-term use in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety disorders, and certain medical procedures that require relaxation or sedation.
10. Anticoagulant drugs, also referred to as blood thinners, are medications that prevent the formation of blood clots or help dissolve existing clots in the blood vessels. They are commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Anticoagulants work by interfering with the clotting process, inhibiting the formation of fibrin, or blocking the action of clotting factors.
