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Pharmacology for Nurses

Key Terms

Pharmacology for NursesKey Terms

Key Terms

adverse drug event (ADE)
any harm to a client that occurs from exposure to a drug
adverse drug reaction (ADR)
a noxious, unintended, and undesired effect that occurs at normal doses of the drug
Affordable Care Act (ACA)
a law enacted in 2010 to make health insurance available to more Americans
allergic reaction
an immune response due to sensitivity to a substance that may cause itching and rash
anaphylaxis
a severe, life-threatening reaction causing serious bronchospasm and hypotension
autonomy
being independent and having the freedom to choose
beneficence
an ethical principle requiring an individual to “do good” to others
computerized prescriber order entry (CPOE)
the prescription or ordering of drugs through the electronic health record (EHR)
confidentiality
the assurance that the client will not have their personal health information (PHI) disclosed without their consent
Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act
a law enacted to improve the efficiency and quality of care through the adoption of electronic health records
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
a law that protects the privacy and confidentiality of an individual and prevents insurance companies from refusing to cover those with preexisting conditions
justice
an ethical principle relating to clients’ fair and equitable treatment
medication error
any preventable event that may cause or lead to inappropriate medication use or client harm while the medication is in the control of the health care professional, client, or consumer
nonmaleficence
an ethical principle that holds that individuals have an obligation to do no harm to others
protected health information (PHI)
any information by which an individual can be identified (name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, address, etc.) as it relates to their health condition, provision of care, or payment
side effects
secondary drug effects at the therapeutic drug level (e.g., sedation that occurs with a benzodiazepine or opioid)
veracity
an ethical principle requiring an individual to tell the truth
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