Route of Administration (Part 1)

Drug administration routes are typically designated by the site of application, such as oral or intravenous. Routes of administration are determined not only by ease but also by the drug’s properties and pharmacokinetics.

By taking this quiz, you will gain knowledge about the different routes of drug administration and their applications.

  • Question of

    Administering medication by means of the ear.

    • Otic
    • Extra-amniotic
    • Enteral
    • Parenteral

    Correct Wrong

    The administration of a drug to the ear is called otic drug administration. Internal ear structures are particularly vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Because of this, ear (otic) medications should always be administered at room temperature.

  • Question of

    Administering medications to the brain’s ventricular system.

    • Intracerebroventricular
    • Intra-articular
    • Topical
    • Intradermal

    Correct Wrong

    Intracerebroventricular (into the cerebral ventricles) administration is a method of administering medications to the brain's ventricular system. As an example, this method may be used to administer the last line of opioid treatment to terminally ill cancer patients who suffer from intractable pain.

  • Question of

    Administering medications to the external eye.

    • Ophthalmic
    • Parenteral
    • Extra-amniotic
    • Transdermal

    Correct Wrong

    Administering a drug to the eyes, usually via eye drops, is known as ophthalmic drug administration. Topical formulations can treat a variety of eye disorders such as bacterial infections, eye injury, glaucoma, and dry eyes.

  • Question of

    Application to a specific spot on the body’s outer surface.

    • Topical
    • Ophthalmic
    • Subcutaneous
    • Intraosseous infusion

    Correct Wrong

    A topical medication is administered to a specific area on the outer surface of the body. There are several ways to deliver topical medications, including transdermal patches, creams, lotions, or ointments, and powder.

  • Question of

    Direct injection into the heart muscle or ventricle (no longer common practice).

    • Intracardiac
    • Ophthalmic
    • Intracerebroventricular
    • Inhalation

    Correct Wrong

    Direct injections into heart muscles or ventricles are called intracardiac injections. Even though they are rarely used in modern practice, they can be used in emergencies.

  • Question of

    Injecting directly into the bone marrow.

    • Intraosseous infusion
    • Extra-amniotic
    • Buccal
    • Intra-articular

    Correct Wrong

    An intraosseous infusion involves injecting directly into the marrow of the bone. Providing non-collapsible access to the systemic venous system. Fluids and medications can be provided this way when intravenous access is not available.

  • Question of

    Injection of a substance into the dermis, located between the epidermis and hypodermis.

    • Intradermal
    • Sublabial
    • Parenteral
    • Transdermal

    Correct Wrong

    An intradermal injection involves injecting a substance into the dermis, between the epidermis and hypodermis. An intradermal test is used to test for some allergens as well as the Mantoux test for tuberculosis.

  • Question of

    Administration by injection, infusion, or implantation.

    • Parenteral
    • Sublingual
    • Rectal
    • Intrathecal

    Correct Wrong

    A parenteral medication enters the body by injection into the tissues and circulatory system. Medication administered by injection is more readily absorbed and is used for patients who are nauseated or vomiting, restricted from drinking oral fluids, or are unable to swallow.

  • Question of

    The administration of medicine through the mouth.

    • Oral
    • Intracavernous
    • Topical
    • Buccal

    Correct Wrong

    In oral administration, a substance is taken by mouth. Oral medications are those that are taken to produce a systemic effect, reaching various parts of the body via the bloodstream.

  • Question of

    The medication is administered within the vitreous body of the eye.

    • Intravitreal
    • Sublingual
    • Topical
    • Intraosseous infusion

    Correct Wrong

    In intravitreal administration, the substance is injected into the vitreous humor of the eye. In most cases, this route is utilized to administer anti-VEGF therapies to treat wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.