Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) Practice Exam

What is considered the most common route of medication administration?

1. Inhalation

2. Topical

3. Intravenous

4. Oral

The correct answer is: Oral

The most common route of medication administration is oral. This method is favored for several reasons: it is generally easy to administer, convenient for patients, and allows for self-administration without the need for healthcare professionals in many cases. Oral medications can come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids, making them accessible and manageable. Additionally, oral administration has a wide acceptability among patients due to its non-invasive nature. It allows for a gradual absorption of the medication into the bloodstream through the gastrointestinal tract, often resulting in a longer duration of action compared to other routes. This route is particularly advantageous in outpatient settings and for chronic conditions where long-term medication management is necessary. Other routes of administration, while important in specific contexts, do not match the oral route in terms of common use in everyday healthcare settings. For instance, inhalation may be common for respiratory issues but is not as broadly applicable to all types of medications as oral administration. Topical routes cater mainly to localized treatments and intravenous administration is typically reserved for situations requiring immediate effects or for patients who cannot take medications orally.