What are the four enteral routes of administration?

The four enteral routes of administration are correctly identified as oral, sublingual, buccal, and rectal. These routes are characterized by their involvement of the gastrointestinal tract for drug absorption and administration.

• The oral route involves swallowing medication, which is then absorbed through the digestive system. This is the most common method due to its ease of use and patient preference.

• The sublingual route requires placing a medication under the tongue, allowing it to dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes. This method bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to a faster onset of action.

• The buccal route involves placing medication between the gum and cheek, again allowing for absorption through the mucous membranes. Similar to the sublingual route, it offers the advantage of bypassing the digestive system.

• The rectal route is used when oral administration is not feasible, such as in patients who are vomiting or unconscious. Medications administered rectally can provide systemic effects as they are absorbed through the rectal tissues.

The other choices do not include routes that primarily interact with the gastrointestinal system. The second set of options focuses on various types of administration methods that do not involve the enteral route but rather refer to topical