Which of the following is not the solid form for administration of drugs by oral route?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

Explanation

An elixir is a medication prepared in a clear liquid containing water, alcohol, sweeteners, and flavor.
By definition, it is a liquid dosage form, not a solid one.
The question specifically asks to identify the option that is NOT a solid form, making elixir the correct answer.

Option A: An enteric-coated tablet is a type of solid dosage form. The coating is a feature, but the preparation itself is a solid tablet.
Option B: A caplet is a solid dosage form. It is a tablet that has been shaped into an elongated, capsule-like form to make it easier to swallow.
Option D: A capsule is a solid dosage form. It consists of medication (powder or gel) enclosed in a soluble gelatin shell.

Visual 1: Infographic: A visual chart showing different oral dosage forms (tablet, capsule, caplet, elixir, syrup, suspension) with labels indicating whether they are solid or liquid.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms (Solid vs. Liquid) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must know the dosage form to administer medications safely. For example, enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed as this destroys the protective coating, leading to premature drug release, potential stomach irritation, or inactivation of the drug by stomach acid.
Liquid forms like elixirs are crucial for patients with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or for pediatric and geriatric patients who cannot swallow solid pills.
What if the patient has a history of alcohol abuse? The nurse should be cautious when administering an elixir, as it contains alcohol, and should consult the pharmacist or prescriber for an alcohol-free alternative if necessary.

How to Approach the Question

First, analyze the question to identify the core requirement. The keywords are 'not' and 'solid form'.
This signals that you are looking for the option that is a liquid or another non-solid form.
Evaluate each option based on its physical state: 'Enteric coated tablet' is a solid. 'Caplet' is a solid. 'Capsule' is a solid.
Recall or deduce the definition of 'Elixir'. It is a liquid preparation used for oral administration.
Conclude that Elixir is the correct answer because it is the only option that is not a solid dosage form.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms (Solid vs. Liquid)
Stem keywords: solid form, administration of drugs, oral route
Lead-in keywords: not
Negative lead-in flag: The question asks to identify the option that does not fit the specified category (solid form).

Q8GN8_qiHdf__sOFeG7zm_

Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent -29 April-2025 (shift-2nd)

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