Drug Containers and Forms
Routes Through the Mouth, Skin, and Mucosa
Injection Routes and Techniques
IV Therapy and Calculation Terms
Safe Preparation and Administration
100

This is a dried, powdered drug compressed into a small shape.

A tablet

100

This route applies a drug to the mucous membranes under the tongue.

The sublingual route

100

This route gives medication directly into the bloodstream.

The intravenous or IV route

100

This is the rate at which IV fluids are given.

Flow rate

100

This technique prevents contamination of the sterility of the drug and delivery system.

Aseptic technique
200

This is a gelatin container that holds a powder or liquid drug.

A capsule

200

This route gives a drug by applying it to or holding it in the cheek.

The buccal route

200

This route gives medication deep into the muscle mass.

The intramuscular or IM route

200

This is the number of drops per milliliter of fluid.

Drop factor

200

This is the process of drawing back on the syringe after needle insertion to check for blood before an IM injection.

Aspirating

300

This is a small, breakable glass container that contains one dose of drug for IM or IV injection.

An ampule

300

This route applies a drug directly to the area of skin requiring treatment, often as creams, lotions, or ointments.

The topical route

300

This injection places no more than 2 mL of drug solution into loose connective tissue between the dermis and muscle.

Subcutaneous injection

300

This secondary IV bag or bottle is connected to the main IV line rather than directly to the patient.

Piggyback infusion

300

This route administers a drug by injection directly into tissue, epidurally, or into the bloodstream.

The parenteral route

400

This is a small, single-dose or multiple-dose glass drug container.

A vial

400

This term refers to drugs applied to the skin for absorption into the bloodstream.

Transdermal

400

This injection is given into the dermis just below the epidermis and is often used for allergy or tuberculosis testing.

Intradermal injection

400

This is the total tissue area of a patient’s body based on height and weight.

Body surface area or BSA

400

This enteral route bypasses the mouth by using a tube through the nose and esophagus into the stomach.

A nasogastric or NG tube

500

This two-compartment vial contains sterile solution in one compartment and powdered drug in the other, mixed immediately before use.

A Mix-o-Vial

500

This route includes topical, sublingual, buccal, or inhalation methods.

The percutaneous route

500

This IM injection technique helps prevent medication from leaking into subcutaneous tissue.

The Z-track technique

500

This chart displays relationships between two types of data so complex calculations are not necessary.

A monogram

500

This pediatric dosage method uses ratio and proportion based on the child’s body weight.

Clark's rule