What is the administration of medicine through the skin called?

NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 shift 1st

Pharmacology

Easy

Appeared in: NHM UP Staff Nurse-2023 shift 1st

Explanation

Transdermal administration refers to applying a drug to the skin's surface for absorption into the systemic circulation.
This route is often achieved using adhesive patches that deliver a constant, controlled dose of medication over an extended period (e.g., 1-7 days).
A key advantage is that it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, avoiding the first-pass metabolism in the liver, which can inactivate some drugs.
Examples include fentanyl patches for chronic pain management and nitroglycerin patches for preventing angina.

Option A: Sublingual administration involves placing medication under the tongue, not on the skin.
Option C: Intraosseous administration is an injection directly into the bone marrow, not through the skin for absorption.
Option D: Intradermal administration is an injection into the dermis (a layer of the skin), not through the skin for systemic effect. It creates a localized bleb or wheal.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Routes of Medication Administration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must educate patients on the correct application of transdermal patches, including rotating sites to prevent skin irritation, applying to a clean, dry, hairless area, and avoiding sources of heat over the patch.
Proper disposal of used patches is a critical safety measure. Patches, especially those containing opioids like fentanyl, should be folded in half with the sticky sides together and disposed of according to facility policy or flushed down the toilet to prevent accidental exposure to children or pets.
What if the patient develops a high fever? The nurse should monitor the patient closely for signs of increased drug effect or toxicity. Elevated body temperature can increase the rate of drug absorption from a transdermal patch, potentially leading to an overdose.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key phrase in the question: "administration of medicine through the skin".
Analyze the prefixes and roots of the options. 'Trans-' means 'across' or 'through', and 'dermal' relates to the skin. Therefore, 'transdermal' literally means 'through the skin'.
Differentiate 'transdermal' from 'intradermal'. 'Intra-' means 'within'. Intradermal is an injection into a skin layer, not absorption through the skin for systemic effect.
Evaluate the other options. 'Sublingual' means 'under the tongue' and 'intraosseous' means 'into the bone'. Both are clearly incorrect based on the question's focus on the skin.
Select the option that best matches the definition derived from the question's keywords.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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