Administration of a drug in the form of powder, vapour or inhalant into a wound or body cavity is known as—

Appeared in: MNS 2024

Explanation

Insufflation is the specific medical term for the process of blowing a substance, such as a powder, gas, or vapor, into a body cavity or onto a body surface.
This method is used for both therapeutic purposes (delivering medication) and diagnostic procedures (inflating a cavity for better visualization, like with CO₂ in laparoscopy).
The key action described in the question—administering a 'powder' or 'vapour' into a 'cavity'—directly matches the definition of insufflation.

Option A: This is a very broad term for applying a drug to a specific area. While insufflation is a type of local application, 'Insufflation' is the more precise and correct term for the specific action described (blowing powder/vapor).
Option B: Instillation specifically involves administering a liquid, usually drop by drop, into a body cavity.
Option C: Inspection is a fundamental technique of physical assessment that involves visual observation. It is not a route of medication administration.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing Routes of Drug Administration helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Understanding the correct terminology for drug administration is crucial for accurate documentation, clear communication within the healthcare team, and ensuring patient safety.
Incorrectly documenting 'instillation' when 'insufflation' was performed could lead to confusion and potential medication errors in subsequent treatments.
What if? If the substance was a liquid administered drop-by-drop into the ear canal, the correct term would be 'Instillation', not 'Insufflation'.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the keywords in the question: 'administration of a drug', 'powder, vapour', and 'into a wound or body cavity'.
The core action is the method of delivery (blowing is implied by 'powder' and 'vapor') and the form of the substance.
Evaluate each option against these keywords.
'Local application' is too general. 'Inspection' is assessment, not administration. 'Instillation' is for liquids.
'Insufflation' specifically means blowing a powder or gas into a cavity, which perfectly matches the question's description. Therefore, it is the most precise answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Routes of Drug Administration
Stem keywords: drug administration, powder, vapour, inhalant, wound, body cavity
Lead-in keywords: is known as

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 3 p. 138-140

E6 Pharmacology Nursing Lilley 11e Part 1 p. 41-43

Practise the full MNS 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.