Plasma
The liquid portion of the blood in its anticoagulated (or unclotted) state, accounts for 55 to 65 percent of the blood volume
Serum
The liquid portion of the blood that remains after the blood has coagulated
Red blood cells
Also referred to as RBCs or erythrocytes, are produced in the bone marrow and live approximately 120 days- contain hemoglobin, the pigment responsible for the reddish color of the blood
White blood cells
Also known as leukocytes, are categorized into five different types
Neutrophils
The most common WBCs, defend the body against infectious diseases
Lymphocytes
The second most common WBCs, provide a boost to immune defense of the body; they also help respond to viruses, when necessary
Monocytes
The largest cells in normal blood, are phagocytic cells that provide support in cell-meditated immunity
Esonophils
Function in allergic or inflammatory responses
Basophils
The least numerous WBCs, contain histamine and provide aid in allergic states
Platelets
Also known as thrombocytes, are the smallest cells founds in the blood. They aid in the process of coagulation, the formation of blood clots that occurs when a blood vessel is damaged
Coagulation
The last step of hemostasis, the process by which the flow of blood ends.
Buccal administration
Between the cheek and gum and sublingual administration is placed under the tongue until the drug dissolves.
Transdermal route
Typically in patch form
Intradermal
placed between the upper layers of the skin, subcutaneous is injected into the subcutaneous layer of the skin, and intramuscular is injected into the muscle. Intramuscular medications are given at a 90 degree angle and aspirated.
Analgesics
Relieve mild to severe pain - Tylenol, Aspirin, etc.
Anesthetic
Prevents sensation of pain - Lidocaine, etc
Antibiotic
Kills bacterial microorganisms - Amoxil, ciproflaxin, zithromax etc.
Anticoagulant
Prevent blood from clotting - Lovenox, heparin sodium, warfarin sodium
Diuretic
Reduces blood pressure, increases urine output - various names can be found
Vasoconstrictor
Constricts blood vessels, increases blood pressure
Synergist
Two drugs working together
Antagonist
One drug decreases the effect of another
Adverse reactions
Undesirable effects of a particular drug
Weight
Refers to heaviness
Three systems of measurement
Metric, apothecary and household systems
Metric
Is the most commonly used.
Volume
Refers to the amount of space a drug occupies
Liters (Metric)
Are used to measure volumes
Grams (Metric)
Are used to measure weight
Fluid ounces, fluid drams
Apothecary measurements