Routes of Administration Redo Cards

Question 1

1. Enteral

Answer 1

-anything involving the use of the alimentary tract (digestive tract)
1.1 Oral – administered through the mouth into GIT; most common & easiest except for patients on NPO
1.2 Buccal – between cheek & gums
1.3 Sublingual – under the tongue
Example: nitroglycerin for angina
1.4 Rectal – via rectum
Example: rectal acetaminophen for pediatric patients

Question 2

2. Topical

Answer 2

• applied directly to skin, mucous membranes of eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, or on surface of structures in an open surgical wound
  Example: Thrombin placed on bleeding surface to promote hemostasis

Question 3

3. Inhalation

Answer 3

– inhaling a drug in gas or liquid form
Example: inhalation anesthesia and bronchodilators used in breathing treatment

Question 4

4. Instillation

Answer 4

– ophthalmic, otic or nasal administration of medications
Example: eye drops

Question 5

5. Parenteral

Answer 5

– through an injection

Question 6

Routes of Administration – Injections (Parenteral)

Answer 6

1. Intramuscular (IM)
2. Intravenous (IV)
3. Subcutaneous
4. Intradermal (ID)

Question 7

1. Intramuscular (IM)

Answer 7

– injection into muscle
Example: Benzathine penicillin injections, vaccines

Question 8

2. Intravenous (IV)

Answer 8

– injection into a vein; immediate absorption into blood stream
Example: intravenous dextrose fluids, antibiotics

Question 9

3. Subcutaneous

Answer 9

– injection into fatty layer below dermis
Example: injection of measles vaccine

Question 10

4. Intradermal (ID)

Answer 10

• injection between the 2 layers of the skin
  Example: skin tests, PPD FOR Tb test

Question 11

5. Intraarticular

Answer 11

– injection into a joint;
Example: cortisone for arthritis

Question 12

6. Intracardiac

Answer 12

• injection directly into heart
  used during emergency resuscitative measures
• Example: adrenaline

Question 13

7. Intrathecal

Answer 13

• injection into subarachnoid space of spinal canal
• Example: lidocaine during spinal block anesthesia