Final answer:
Naloxone is given priority for administration by intravenous, intramuscular, and intranasal routes, in that order, due to the rapid onset of action needed during an opioid overdose emergency.
Step-by-step explanation:
The routes of administration for naloxone, which is used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses, are prioritized based on how quickly they can take effect and their ease of use, especially in emergency situations. The most preferred route of administration is intravenous (IV), followed by intramuscular (IM), and then intranasal. This is because IV administration allows the drug to enter the bloodstream directly and act quickly, while IM injections are easy to administer and effective, and intranasal administration can be used when needles are not feasible or available. Oral administration of naloxone is not preferred due to poor absorption and the necessity for a more immediate response in overdose situations.