Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

What route is involved in administering a drug by placing it under the patient's tongue and leaving it there until it dissolves?

1. Oral route

2. Intravenous route

3. Sublingual route

4. Buccal route

The correct answer is: Sublingual route

Administering a drug by placing it under the patient's tongue and allowing it to dissolve is known as the sublingual route. This method is particularly effective because the tissue under the tongue has a rich blood supply, allowing the medication to be absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream. This route avoids the gastrointestinal tract, which can alter the effectiveness of certain medications through first-pass metabolism. Using the sublingual route has specific advantages, such as providing a quicker onset of action compared to oral administration, where the medication would need to be swallowed, digested, and absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. Other routes, such as the intravenous route, involve direct injection into the vein, while the buccal route entails placing the medication between the gums and the inner lining of the cheek. Both of these methods have different applications and absorption characteristics that distinguish them from sublingual administration. Understanding the nuances of these different routes enhances a patient care technician's ability to provide effective medication administration tailored to each patient's needs.