Which of the following is the route by which a drug is administered into the respiratory tract by a nebulizer or positive pressure breathing apparatus?

1. A

   Inhalation

2. B

   Buccal

3. C

   Oral

4. D

   Parenteral

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

• The inhalation route is defined as the administration of aerosolized drugs that are breathed in by the patient.
• Devices like nebulizers and positive pressure breathing apparatus are specifically designed to turn liquid medication into a fine mist for delivery to the respiratory tract.
• This method allows the drug to be absorbed easily and act directly on the lungs, which is ideal for treating respiratory diseases.
• The large surface area and rich blood supply of the lungs facilitate rapid drug absorption into the bloodstream for systemic effects if needed, but the primary benefit is local action in the airways.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option B: The buccal route involves absorption through the mucous membranes of the cheek, not the respiratory tract. It is used for drugs that need to bypass the digestive system but does not involve inhalation.
• Option C: The oral route involves swallowing the medication, which is then absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. This is a systemic route and does not deliver the drug directly to the lungs.
• Option D: The parenteral route refers to administration by injection (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, etc.), completely bypassing the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

Related Visual

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.
• Nurses are responsible for educating patients on the correct use of inhalation devices like nebulizers and MDIs to ensure effective drug delivery and prevent complications.
• Proper technique is critical for the inhalation route; incorrect use can lead to most of the drug being deposited in the mouth or throat, reducing its effectiveness and increasing side effects.
• In acute respiratory distress, a nurse's ability to quickly set up and administer nebulizer treatments is a vital skill that can stabilize the patient.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the key terms in the question: 'respiratory tract', 'nebulizer', and 'positive pressure breathing apparatus'.
• Recognize that these terms are all related to breathing and the lungs.
• Next, review the definitions of the given options.
• Inhalation: Breathing in a substance.
• Buccal: In the cheek.
• Oral: By mouth (swallowing).

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Routes of Drug Administration
• Stem keywords: route, drug administered, respiratory tract, nebulizer, positive pressure breathing apparatus
• Lead-in keywords: Which of the following
• Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QfHHD5IYY2n2riYOukUlTH

Copy ID

Reference Book

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 870-872

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 2 p. 35-37