Final answer:
The oral route of administering medication has several advantages including being easy to administer, rarely causing anxiety, and being convenient and comfortable for the patient. It is not suitable for patients with gastric suction or significantly reduced gastric motility, as these conditions impair the drug's absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advantages of Administering Medications by the Oral Route The oral route of administering medications has several advantages. First, the oral route is easy to administer, as patients can take the medication themselves without the need for professional assistance. Secondly, it rarely causes anxiety in patients compared to other routes like intravenous injections, which can be more stressful due to needles and the clinical setting. Third, this route is generally convenient and comfortable, allowing for medication to be taken at home in a familiar environment.
However, not all conditions are suitable for oral administration. For instance, if a patient has gastric suction or significantly reduced gastric motility, the effectiveness of oral medications can be compromised as the drug may not be properly absorbed into the bloodstream. In such cases, alternative routes such as intravenous or parenteral administration may be indicated, especially when high plasma levels of the drug are required quickly or when dealing with severe systemic infections.
It is also vital to investigate the food effect on pharmacokinetics when considering oral administration, as the presence of food can alter the drug absorption and consequently its efficacy. In summary, while the oral route has numerous advantages, healthcare providers must consider each patient's individual circumstances when determining the most appropriate method of medication delivery.