- adverse reaction
- an unwanted and undesirable effect of a drug
- allergic reaction
- an immune system response to a drug
- anaphylaxis
- a rare, life-threatening reaction to a drug
- apothecary system
- a system of measurement that utilizes fractions as a part of the whole to measure weights and volumes
- aspirate
- to pull back on the plunger to assess for blood return
- buccally
- between the cheek and gum
- capsule
- a powder or granules contained in a gelatin shell
- catheter
- a small hollow tube placed in a vein
- computerized provider order entry (CPOE)
- a patient order that the provider submits electronically
- dependence
- a condition in which a patient depends on the drug in order to function
- drug interaction
- a drug reaction with another drug, food, supplement, or medical condition
- drug toxicity
- the degree to which a drug can be poisonous or harmful to the body
- dysphagia
- difficulty swallowing
- ear drop
- liquid medication applied into the ear canal
- enteric-coated tablet
- a tablet covered in a substance that delays the medication from dissolving
- extravasation
- the infiltration of damaging IV medications into the extravascular tissue around the site of infusion
- eye drop
- liquid medication intended for use in the eye
- gauge
- the diameter of the hole in a needle
- household system
- a system of measurement utilizes everyday household items, such as measuring cups and tablespoons, to serve as the measuring device
- infiltration
- the leakage of IV fluid into surrounding tissue as a result of the tip of the catheter slipping out of the vein.
- inhaler
- a pocket-sized device that delivers medications into the lungs without the use of electricity
- intradermal (ID)
- occurring within the dermis layer of the skin, just below the epidermis
- intramuscular (IM)
- occurring within the muscle tissue
- medication order
- a prescription ordered within clinical practice
- metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
- a device that uses electricity to create an aerosolized mist of medication that is inhaled into the lungs
- metric system
- a decimal-based system based on units of ten
- nasal
- relating to the nose or nostrils
- nebulizer
- a small electric or battery-powered machine that delivers a fine mist of liquid medications
- ointment
- greasy semisolid that uses body warmth to melt into tiny drops
- one-time order
- medication to be administered just one time
- ophthalmic
- relating to the eye
- otic
- relating to or located near the ear
- paradoxical effect
- an effect of a drug that is opposite from the intended effect
- patency
- the state of being open and unobstructed
- phlebitis
- inflammation of a vein
- PRN order
- a medication order that is administered as needed
- rectal
- relating to or affecting the rectum
- routine order
- a medication order that is continuously followed until canceled
- side effect
- a predictable, undesirable effect related to a drug
- spacer
- a clear tube that fits between the inhaler and the mouthpiece, allowing the medication to move into the spacer for the patient to inhale more slowly and with control
- standing order
- a standardized order that may be implemented under certain circumstances
- STAT order
- a medication order that is urgent or requires immediate action
- subcutaneous (SQ)
- relating to or affecting the fatty tissue layer just beneath the skin
- sublingually
- under the tongue
- tablet
- powder or granules compressed into a pill shape
- timed-release
- consisting of or containing medication that is released in small amounts over time for prolonged action
- titration order
- a medication dose that is either progressively increased or decreased by the nurse in response to the patient’s status
- tolerance
- a decrease in the effectiveness of a drug over time due to repeated use
- vaginal
- relating to or affecting the vagina
- wheal
- a small, raised, and usually pale bump that forms at an injection site