ExCPT Test ExCPT Dosage Forms and Routes of Administration 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of action?
- Oral
- Subcutaneous
- Intravenous (Correct answer)
- Intramuscular
Correct answer: Intravenous
Intravenous (IV) administration delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, bypassing absorption and producing the fastest onset of action.
Question 2: An enteric-coated tablet is specifically designed to:
- Dissolve quickly under the tongue
- Resist dissolution in stomach acid (Correct answer)
- Release medication over 24 hours
- Be absorbed through the skin
Correct answer: Resist dissolution in stomach acid
Enteric coatings protect the tablet from dissolution in the acidic stomach environment, allowing it to dissolve in the small intestine instead.
Question 3: The abbreviation 'SL' on a prescription indicates the medication should be given:
- Subcutaneously
- Slowly by IV infusion
- Sublingually (Correct answer)
- By inhalation
Correct answer: Sublingually
SL stands for sublingual, meaning the medication is placed under the tongue for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa.
Question 4: Which dosage form is most appropriate when a patient is unconscious and cannot swallow?
- Oral tablet
- Sublingual tablet
- Rectal suppository (Correct answer)
- Extended-release capsule
Correct answer: Rectal suppository
Rectal suppositories can be administered to unconscious or vomiting patients since the route does not require swallowing or patient cooperation.
Question 5: An ointment differs from a cream primarily because ointments are:
- Water-based and easily washed off
- Oil-based and anhydrous (Correct answer)
- More rapidly absorbed than creams
- Diluted with alcohol for faster drying
Correct answer: Oil-based and anhydrous
Ointments are oil-based (anhydrous) preparations that provide an occlusive barrier, while creams are emulsions containing both water and oil.
Question 6: Which dosage form delivers medication systemically through intact skin?
- Topical cream
- Transdermal patch (Correct answer)
- Rectal suppository
- Otic solution
Correct answer: Transdermal patch
Transdermal patches are designed to deliver a controlled dose of medication through the skin into the systemic circulation over an extended period.
Question 7: Which of the following is classified as a parenteral route of administration?
- Oral
- Rectal
- Intramuscular (Correct answer)
- Sublingual
Correct answer: Intramuscular
Parenteral routes bypass the gastrointestinal tract; intramuscular (IM) injection is a parenteral route, while oral, rectal, and sublingual routes all involve mucosal absorption.
ExCPT Test ExCPT Dosage Forms and Routes of Administration 1
Which route of administration provides the fastest onset of action?