Route of Administration (Part 2)

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

    When administered this way, the drug is placed between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek.

    • Buccal
    • Sublabial
    • Oral
    • Intrathecal

    Correct Wrong

    A buccal medication is placed between the gum and the inner lining of the cheek. Compared with sublingual tissue, buccal tissue is less permeable, resulting in slower absorption.

  • Question of

    Administration via injection into the base of the penis.

    • Intracavernous
    • Intravitreal
    • Intradermal
    • Sublingual

    Correct Wrong

    Intracavernous (or intracavernosal) injections are injections into the base of the penis. The injection site is often used to test for or treat erectile dysfunction in adults.

  • Question of

    Injection of a therapeutic substance directly into a lesion or into the skin.

    • Intralesional
    • Extra-amniotic
    • Intradermal
    • Intracerebroventricular

    Correct Wrong

    Intralesional (into a skin lesion) is used to treat local skin lesions, e.g. acne.

  • Question of

    The administration within an artery or arteries.

    • Intra-arterial
    • Intracavernous
    • Intravenous
    • Epicutaneous

    Correct Wrong

    Intra-arterial (into an artery), as with vasodilator drugs in the treatment of vasospasm, and thrombolytic drugs in the treatment of embolism.

  • Question of

    Insufflation of drugs through the nose.

    • Nasal
    • Intrathecal
    • Sublabial
    • Topical

    Correct Wrong

    In nasal administration, drugs are insufflated through the nose. Since nasal passages do not go through the gut, drug absorption via the nasal passages yields rapid drug absorption and therapeutic effects.

  • Question of

    Administration into the spinal canal, or subarachnoid space, so that it reaches the cerebrospinal fluid.

    • Intrathecal
    • Intra-articular
    • Enteral
    • Transmucosal

    Correct Wrong

    A drug is administered intrathecally by injecting it into the spinal canal or the subarachnoid space so that it can reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is used in spinal anesthesia, chemotherapy, or pain management.

  • Question of

    The administration within a joint.

    • Intra-articular
    • Intracerebroventricular
    • Intradermal
    • Intraosseous infusion

    Correct Wrong

    Intra-articular, into a joint space. The procedure is generally performed by joint injection. In osteoarthritis, it is used mainly as a symptomatic relief.

  • Question of

    The application of the drug through the mucous membranes.

    • Transmucosal
    • Intramuscular
    • Intradermal
    • Otic

    Correct Wrong

    The transmucosal route of administration is one in which the drug is diffused through the mucous membrane. This can include inhalation, nasal, sublingual, vaginal, rectal, and ocular routes.

  • Question of

    Food or drugs are administered through the gastrointestinal tract.

    • Enteral
    • Intralesional
    • Inhalation
    • Otic

    Correct Wrong

    Enteral administration is when food or drugs are administered through the gastrointestinal tract. There are three categories: oral (by mouth), gastric (through the stomach), and rectal (from the rectum).

  • Question of

    Injection of a medication or substance into the muscle.

    • Intramuscular
    • Intrathecal
    • Intra-articular
    • Epicutaneous

    Correct Wrong

    An intramuscular injection is the injection of a substance or medication into a muscle. An intramuscular injection may be preferred because muscles contain more blood vessels than subcutaneous tissue, resulting in faster absorption than subcutaneous or intradermal injections.