Final answer:
Parenteral medications are administered directly into the bloodstream, with the intravenous route being a common method. For home treatment of systemic infections, oral administration is generally preferred if the drug is adequately absorbed through the GI tract. Dosage considerations include patient mass, organ health, side effects, allergic reactions, and drug metabolism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The route of administration for parenteral medications is not oral, topical, or sublingual; these methods involve medication being introduced outside of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Instead, the correct answer is C) Intravenous, which involves delivering the medication directly into the bloodstream and is often used in healthcare settings for rapid effect, especially when treating systemic infections or when the drug is not easily absorbed by the GI tract. Other parenteral routes can include intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.
For home administration of an antimicrobial to treat a systemic infection, oral administration would be the most appropriate and convenient route if the drug is effectively absorbed via the GI tract.
Factors to consider when determining the dosage of a drug include patient mass, organ function (such as liver or kidney health), possible side effects, allergic reactions, and the rate at which the drug peaks and clears from the plasma.