Routes of Administration Flashcards

A resident needs a nitroglycerin tablet for chest pain. The medication aide places it under the resident's tongue. What is this route called?

Answer: Sublingual

Sublingual administration means placing medication under the tongue where it dissolves and absorbs rapidly into the bloodstream.

Which route of administration bypasses the digestive system entirely and delivers medication directly into the bloodstream?

Answer: Intravenous

Intravenous (IV) administration delivers medication directly into a vein, bypassing the digestive system and providing the fastest onset of action.

A medication aide is applying a medicated patch to a resident's skin. This is an example of which route?

Answer: Transdermal

Transdermal patches deliver medication through the skin into the bloodstream over an extended period of time.

Which route of administration is most appropriate for a resident who is vomiting and cannot keep oral medications down?

Answer: Rectal suppository

Rectal suppositories are an appropriate alternative when a resident cannot tolerate oral medications due to vomiting or nausea.

When instilling ear drops, the medication aide should pull the ear pinna in which direction for an adult resident?

Answer: Up and back

For adults, the ear pinna is pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal and allow drops to reach the eardrum.

A medication labeled 'OU' for eye drops means the medication aide should administer it to:

Answer: Both eyes

The abbreviation 'OU' comes from the Latin 'oculus uterque,' meaning both eyes.

Which statement about the buccal route of administration is correct?

Answer: Medication is placed between the cheek and gum

Buccal medications are placed between the cheek and gum where they dissolve and absorb through the mucous membrane.