A patient has been referred to an allergist for allergy testing. Which parenteral routes would the nurse not expect to be used for the tests?

Question

1. The intradermal (ID) route
2. The subcutaneous route
3. The intramuscular (IM) route
4. The intravenous (IV) route
5. The buccal route

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2,3,4,5
Rationale 1: The ID route is used to administer very small volumes of a drug into the intradermal layer of skin. This route is most commonly used for allergy and TB skin testing.
Rationale 2: The subcutaneous route is used to deliver medication into the deepest layer of skin. Drugs that are delivered by this route include insulin, heparin, and some vaccines.
Rationale 3: The IM route is used to deliver medication deep into a muscle. Antibiotics, vitamins, and some vaccines are delivered by this route.
Rationale 4: The IV route delivers medication directly into the bloodstream. Fluid replacement, antibiotics, blood products, and many other drugs can be delivered via this route.
Rationale 5: Medications administered by the buccal route are intended to be absorbed. This is not a route used for allergy testing.