HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

By which routes can anti-anxiety medication be administered?

1. Oral, inhalation, intravenous

2. Intradermal, oral, topical

3. Intranasal, oral, intramuscular

4. Rectal, sublingual, intravenous

The correct answer is: Oral, inhalation, intravenous

Anti-anxiety medications can be administered through several routes, allowing for flexibility based on the patient's needs and circumstances. When considering the route of administration, it's essential to understand how each one affects the efficacy and onset of action of the medication. Oral administration is one of the most common methods, as it is easy to perform and generally well-accepted by patients. Medications taken orally enter the digestive system and are absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a systematic effect after a certain period. Inhalation is another effective route, especially in acute situations where rapid relief is necessary. This method allows the medication to enter the bloodstream more quickly through the lungs, making it beneficial for those experiencing high levels of anxiety that require immediate attention. Intravenous administration provides the fastest onset of action since the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream. This route is often used in hospital settings where patients may need immediate control over their anxiety levels. The other options include routes such as intradermal, intranasal, and topical, which are not commonly associated with anti-anxiety medications, or they may not provide the desired rapid effects needed in anxiety management. Therefore, the combination of oral, inhalation, and intravenous routes represents the most versatile and effective means of administering