Pharmacology: Routes of Medication Administration

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary terms related to routes of medication administration, focusing on definitions and concepts that are important for understanding pharmacology.

Aseptic Technique

procedure that minimizes contamination from pathogens during medical procedures.

Intravenous Administration (IV)

administering medications and fluids directly into the bloodstream

Intradermal Injection

used for allergy testing.

Z-Track Method

technique used to prevent irritation of the tissue during intramuscular injections.

Subcutaneous Injection

injection placed into tissue layer between the skin-muscle

Inhalation Administration

medication delivered through the respiratory tract.

Needle Gauge

lower gauge numbers = wider needles.

Volume for Intramuscular Injection

2 to 5 mL

Ventrogluteal Site

The preferred IM injection site located in the hip area, recommended for larger volumes.

Advantages of Parenteral Route

Includes rapid action, bypassing first-pass metabolism, and can be used when patients cannot ingest medications orally.

Intravenous Bolus

A concentrated dose of medication given rapidly through a syringe directly into circulation.

Intramuscular Sites

Common locations for IM injections include the deltoid, vastus lateralis, and ventrogluteal sites.

Disadvantages of Subcutaneous Injection

Includes slower absorption compared to intramuscular and limitations on volume that can be administered.

Rectal Administration

A route that can be used for local therapeutic effects and is beneficial for patients who cannot take medications orally.

Transdermal Patch

A method that delivers medication through the skin for systematic effect over time

typical administration angle for a intradermal injection?

5^{\circ} or 15^{\circ}

subcutaneous injection angle

if able to grasp 2 inches of skin: 90°, if able to grasp 1 inch of skin: 45°