Final answer:
The preferred route of medication administration for patients suffering from nausea and vomiting is the parenteral route, notably intravenous or intramuscular injection, to ensure direct absorption into the bloodstream and effective treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting, it is often impractical to administer medication orally due to the risk of the patient not being able to retain the medication. Instead, the preferred route of medication administration in such cases is a parenteral route, which includes intravenous (IV) or intramuscular (IM) injection. Medications like ondansetron, commonly known by the brand name Zofran, are used to prevent nausea and are available for intravenous administration (Figure 11.5.10). This route is often preferred in healthcare settings to ensure that the drug is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, providing quick relief from symptoms and overcoming issues related to gastrointestinal absorption.