Routes Of Adminstration

Question 1

Enteral

Answer 1

Involves gastrointestinal tract and includes any medicines administered via oral route and gastric route and rectal route

These medicines diffuse from gastrointestinal tract into bloodstream and circulatory system distributes them around the body

Question 2

Buccal route

Answer 2

Buccal medicine is administered by placing it in the oral cavity between the gums and inner lining of the cheek
The medicine will dissolve and diffuse into bloodstream via buccal mucosa bypassing the gastrointestinal tract

Question 3

Sublingual route

Answer 3

Should be placed under the tounge where they undergo rapid absorption into bloodstream

Question 4

Oral route

Answer 4

Tablet, capsule and liquid formulations are common method of medicine delivery

When swallowed the medicine passes into the bloodstream through the stomach or intentional tract

Needs a glass of water

Question 5

Liquid medications via oral route

Answer 5

Shake bottle before pouring liquid
Pour liquid into a measuring pot on flat surface and read graduations at eye level for accuracy

Or through Syringe, remove lid from bottle and fit the bung from oral syringe. Push syringe into hole on the top of the bung. Withdraw liquid by turning bottle upside down and slowly withdraw correct amount, check it has no. Bubbles and give medicine immediately. Administer above tounge

Question 6

Rectal route

Answer 6

For vomiting patients and can’t take medication orally
Patients should have an empty bowel before rectal administration of medicines as faeces may inhibit re absorption of medication

To encourage retention and re absorption the patient should lie on the left side as rectum runs downwards in this position

Question 7

Parenteral route

Answer 7

Bypass the gastrointestinal tract
Includes patches, creams, sprays, drops, inhalers, injections

Question 8

Aural route

Answer 8

Inserted into ear and only has local effects
Prescription should state the number of drops to be administered and whether patient needs drops in right/left or both ears
Patient should tilt head to one side so that drops go into external auditory canal

Question 9

Inhalation route

Answer 9

Inhalers deliver single dose of medication under pressure
Nebulisers deliver continuous stream of medication over limited period of time, it becomes a fine spray as pressured air or oxygen is passed through it.
Patient inhales spray via a face mask or mouth pice

Question 10

Intranasal route

Answer 10

Includes sprays, ointments and powder formulations
Enters circulatory systems via nasal mucosa

Question 11

Injections routes

Answer 11

Penetrate skin using needle and syringe
Different injection routes include subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal and intravenous

Question 12

Optical route

Answer 12

Administered into the eye
Prescription should state number of drops required and whether patient needs drops in right/left or both

Question 13

Vaginal route

Answer 13

Exerts a topical effect
Normally patient will use an applicator to insert medicine into vagina in either the form of a pessary or a cream