Routes Of Administration - Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Ptce

1. What route of administration is used for nasal sprays intended for local or systemic absorption?

   Intranasal. Intranasal delivery allows absorption through nasal mucosa for either local relief or rapid systemic effects due to high vascularity.

2. Which injection route has the fastest onset among ID, SC, IM, and IV?

   IV. Intravenous route provides immediate drug delivery to the systemic circulation, bypassing absorption barriers for the quickest effect.

3. Which route should be used for medications intended for local effect on the skin surface?

   Topical (dermal). Topical dermal application targets the skin for localized treatment, minimizing systemic exposure and side effects.

4. Which route is appropriate for a medication labeled "sublingual" if the patient reports inability to swallow?

   Sublingual (dissolve under the tongue). Sublingual route is suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties as it allows dissolution and absorption without ingestion.

5. What route of administration delivers medication to the lungs as an aerosol or powder?

   Inhalation (pulmonary). Inhalation routes target the pulmonary system for direct lung delivery, enabling rapid absorption for respiratory or systemic therapy.

6. What route of administration delivers medication into the dermis for tests such as PPD?

   Intradermal (ID). Intradermal injection targets the dermis layer for localized immune responses, as seen in tuberculosis skin testing with PPD.

7. What route of administration delivers medication into a muscle for vaccines such as influenza?

   Intramuscular (IM). Intramuscular injection into muscle tissue provides faster absorption than subcutaneous due to richer blood supply, ideal for many vaccines.

8. Identify the correct action for an oral disintegrating tablet (ODT) when administering a dose.

   Allow it to dissolve on the tongue; do not chew. ODTs are formulated to rapidly disintegrate in saliva for ease of use, but chewing can alter the intended release profile.

9. Which route is most appropriate when a drug is intended for rapid systemic effect without swallowing?

   Sublingual. Sublingual administration provides quick mucosal absorption into the bloodstream, ideal for urgent systemic effects without gastrointestinal involvement.

10. What administration consideration applies to transdermal patches regarding heat exposure?

    Avoid external heat; it can increase absorption. External heat sources like heating pads can accelerate drug release from the patch, potentially leading to overdose.

11. What route of administration is intended for placement under the tongue for rapid absorption?

    Sublingual (SL). This route enables rapid absorption through the sublingual mucosa, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism.

12. What route of administration delivers medication directly into a vein for immediate systemic effect?

    Intravenous (IV). Intravenous administration injects directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate bioavailability and rapid onset of action.

13. What is the preferred patient position to reduce aspiration risk when administering oral liquids?

    Upright (high Fowler position). The upright position facilitates safe swallowing and minimizes the risk of liquid entering the airway, especially in patients with dysphagia.

14. Which oral dosage form must not be crushed because it is designed for slow drug release: extended-release tablets?

    Do not crush or chew extended-release (ER/XR/CR) forms. Extended-release forms maintain therapeutic drug levels over time by gradual release, which would be disrupted by crushing or chewing.

15. What route of administration is intended for placement between cheek and gum for absorption?

    Buccal. This route facilitates absorption via the buccal mucosa between the cheek and gum, providing an alternative to sublingual for oral mucosal delivery.

16. Which route is appropriate for a medication labeled "for vaginal use" such as tablets or creams?

    Vaginal (PV). Vaginal administration targets local gynecological conditions, with formulations like creams ensuring direct mucosal contact.

17. What is the correct route for medications labeled "for otic use"?

    Otic (into the ear). Otic medications are specifically designed for ear canal application to treat local conditions without risking eye or systemic effects.

18. Which route is intended when a medication order specifies administration "per tube"?

    Enteral via feeding tube (NG/PEG). Orders specifying "per tube" indicate enteral delivery through feeding tubes to ensure medication reaches the GI tract directly.

19. What is the correct route for medications labeled "for ophthalmic use"?

    Ophthalmic (into the eye). Ophthalmic medications are formulated for safe application to the eye, treating conditions like infections or glaucoma locally.

20. Which injection route generally has the slowest absorption among ID, SC, IM, and IV?

    Subcutaneous (SC). Subcutaneous absorption is slower due to limited blood flow in fatty tissue compared to muscle or direct venous delivery.

21. Which oral dosage form must be swallowed whole and must not be crushed or chewed: enteric-coated tablets?

    Swallow whole; do not crush, chew, or split. Enteric-coated tablets are designed to dissolve in the intestine, protecting the drug from stomach acid and preventing gastric irritation.

22. What route of administration delivers medication into subcutaneous tissue (fat) for drugs like insulin?

    Subcutaneous (SubQ or SC). Subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue allows for slower, sustained absorption suitable for medications requiring steady release like insulin.

23. Which route avoids first-pass hepatic metabolism by absorbing through oral mucosa?

    Sublingual or buccal. Absorption through oral mucosa bypasses the portal vein, reducing hepatic metabolism and increasing bioavailability for certain drugs.

24. Which route is appropriate for a medication labeled "for rectal use" such as suppositories or enemas?

    Rectal (PR). Rectal administration via suppositories or enemas provides local or systemic effects, useful when oral routes are not feasible.

25. Which route of administration is used when medication is delivered via a feeding tube (for example, NG or PEG)?

    Enteral (via feeding tube). Enteral administration via tubes like NG or PEG delivers nutrients or medications directly to the gastrointestinal tract for patients unable to eat orally.

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