LVN Pharmacology Practice Test

The term that describes the route of medication administration delivering medication into the dermis is intradermal. This method involves injecting medication into the layer of skin just below the outer epidermis, which allows for slower absorption and is often used for allergy tests or vaccinations.

Intradermal administration is characterized by its small volume and shallow angle of injection, typically 10 to 15 degrees. Because the dermis has a rich supply of blood vessels, this route allows for the medication to be absorbed more gradually, making it suitable for specific diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

In contrast, intravenous administration involves injecting directly into the bloodstream, which provides immediate effect, while intramuscular administration targets deeper muscle tissues for faster absorption. Subcutaneous injections are delivered into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin and are absorbed more slowly than intramuscular injections but faster than intradermal. Each of these routes has distinct applications based on the required speed of action and the type of medication being administered.