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Pharmacology for Nurses

Key Terms

Pharmacology for NursesKey Terms
acetylcholine
a neurotransmitter that contracts smooth muscles, dilates blood vessels, increases bodily secretions, and reduces heart rate
adrenal insufficiency
caused when the adrenal glands do not manufacture sufficient quantities of cortisol
adrenergic
refers to the activation or stimulation of the adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system
alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists
a class of drugs that stimulate all adrenergic receptors
anticholinergic drugs
drugs that inhibit the action of acetylcholine
asthma
a respiratory disease that affects the lungs and causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and coughing
beta adrenergic
activation or stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, which are found in various tissues throughout the body
candidiasis
fungal infection caused by a yeast called Candida
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing problems; includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis
corticosteroids
anti-inflammatory medications used for a wide range of conditions
epinephrine
a neurotransmitter and hormone, also known as adrenaline; also used as a medication
histamine
a chemical in the body that causes many symptoms of allergies such as runny nose or sneezing
leukotriene modifiers
medications that inhibit leukotriene-related enzymes and oppose inflammatory mediators
leukotrienes
a group of inflammatory mediators that are primarily responsible for bronchoconstriction
mast cell stabilizers
prevent mast cell degranulation and mediator release
mast cells
cells that play a role in the immune system and help control immune responses; contain chemicals such as histamine
norepinephrine
neurotransmitter and hormone as well as a medication that is used to increase and maintain blood pressure
pulmonary fibrosis
a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred, making it difficult for lungs to work properly
sympathomimetic
producing physiological effects characteristic of the sympathetic nervous system by promoting the stimulation of sympathetic nerves
xanthines
class of compounds derived from purine that have stimulant properties and can relax airway smooth muscle
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