Routes of Parenteral Administration

Question 1

epidural route location?

Answer 1

spine (epidural space)

Question 2

intra-arterial route location?

Answer 2

arteries (to break up clots)

Question 3

intra-articular route location?

Answer 3

within a joint space

Question 4

intradermal route location?

Answer 4

skin of: upper chest, forearms, upper back

• can be administered by an MA

Question 5

intramuscular (IM) route location?

Answer 5

deltoid, vastus lateralis, ventrogluteal muscles

• can be administered by an MA

Question 6

intraosseous route location?

Answer 6

bone marrow

Question 7

intraperitoneal route location?

Answer 7

abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Question 8

intrapleural route location?

Answer 8

lungs (pleural space)

Question 9

intrathecal route location?

Answer 9

brain (subarachnoid space)

Question 10

intravenous (IV) route location?

Answer 10

major veins (usually in arms/hands)
central venous access devices

Question 11

subcutaneous

Answer 11

under skin of:
abdomen, anterior thighs, upper outer arm, upper back (under shoulder)

• can be administered by an MA

Question 12

needle gauge of intradermal (ID)

Answer 12

27 to 28

Question 13

needle length of intradermal (ID)

Answer 13

3/8 inch

Question 14

needle gauge of subcutaneous (SC)

Answer 14

25 to 26

Question 15

needle length of subcutaneous (SC)

Answer 15

1/2 inch, 5/8 inch

Question 16

needle gauge of intramuscular (IM)

Answer 16

20 to 23

Question 17

needle length of intramuscular (IM)

Answer 17

1 to 3 inches (depending on muscle and patient size)

Question 18

sites for IM injections

Answer 18

deltoid muscle (shoulder)
ventrogluteal muscle (hip)
vastus lateralis muscle (thigh)

all at 90 degrees

Question 19

sites for SC injections

Answer 19

multiple sites (including upper outer arm, abdomen, and thigh)

45 degrees

Question 20

sites for ID injections

Answer 20

forearm, upper back

10 to 15 degrees

Question 21

buccal medication route

Answer 21

in between the cheeks and gums

bypasses the digestive system (b/c of rapid absorption)

Question 22

sublingual medication route

Answer 22

under the tongue

bypasses the digestive system

Question 23

inhalation medication route

Answer 23

typically targeted for the bronchial passages

can be delivered via a nebulizer

Question 24

topical medication route

Answer 24

reacts locally and systematic absorption is limited

Question 25

mucosal medication route

Answer 25

absorbs through mucous membranes

nasal, vagina, rectum, eye, ear