Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) AMCA Practice Exam

Which drug administration route is most appropriate when a patient is feeling nauseated and experiences vomiting?

1. Intravenous

2. Rectal

3. Oral

4. Subcutaneous

The correct answer is: Rectal

The rectal route of drug administration is particularly appropriate for patients who are experiencing nausea and vomiting. This method allows for medication absorption even when a patient is unable to tolerate oral intake due to gastrointestinal distress. Intravenous administration could be suitable as well, but the rectal route provides a non-invasive alternative, especially in situations where intravenous access may be challenging or if the patient is unresponsive or not alert enough to receive medications through an IV. Oral administration is typically not effective in this context since the patient’s vomiting would prevent the proper absorption of medication. Subcutaneous injections, while viable for certain medications, might not be preferable in cases of severe nausea and vomiting, as they are less effective if the patient cannot maintain hydration or if there are signs of significant gastrointestinal upset. Utilizing the rectal route not only circumvents the issues associated with nausea and vomiting but also ensures that the medication can provide the necessary therapeutic effect when other methods might fail.