Question

Topical medications may be administered by ________.

1) Direct application
2) Injection
3) Phonophoresis
4) A and B

Answer 1

Topical medications are administered by direct application and phonophoresis, while the oral route is preferable for home administration of antimicrobials to treat systemic infections.

Step-by-step explanation:

Topical medications may be administered by direct application onto the skin or mucous membranes, and phonophoresis, which is a physical method that uses ultrasound to enhance the delivery of topically applied drugs. Injection is not typically categorized under topical administration but is rather considered a parenteral route. Therefore, the correct answers for the administration of topical medications are direct application and phonophoresis.

The most appropriate and convenient route for home administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection would be the oral route. Intravenous and other parenteral routes require medical supervision and are generally not suitable for home use. Topical administration is not effective for systemic infections as it is meant for localized treatment on the skin or mucous membranes.