dermal route is used for medication that can be absorbed through the skin by
the use of a patch. The topical route is used to apply medication locally. The
instillation route is used to administer medication through drops and sprays.
Medication is directed to the lungs by using the inhalation route where the
patient uses an inhaler.
If the patient has disruption of the upper GI tract, then the prescriber will
order a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube. The nasogastric tube is inserted through
the nose and into the stomach. The gastrostomy tube is inserted through the skin
and directly into the stomach. Both of these tubes can be used to deliver med-
ication to the patient.
The suppository route is used to absorb medication directly into the rectum or
vagina. The parenteral route is used to inject medication directly into the dermal
or subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or into the veins.
Quiz
- A patient who is administered medication sublingually
(a) has upper GI problems.
(b) should ingest food or liquid to help absorption of the medication.
(c) shouldn’t eat or drink until the medication is absorbed.
(d) None of the above. - If the dose of a transdermal patch is more than the prescriber’s medica-
tion order
(a) cut the patch to an appropriate length.
(b) contact the prescriber.
(c) do nothing.
(d) give the patient the patch anyway. - When giving ear drops to a two-year-old,
(a) pull the earlobe downward and back.
(b) pull the earlobe upward and back.
(c) pull the earlobe upward and forward.
(d) pull the earlobe downward and forward. - A rectal suppository can be used if the patient cannot absorb medication
in the upper GI tract.
(a) True
(b) False
CHAPTER 6 Route of Administration^111