Question

question 3

a pharmacy technician receives a prescription for a transdermal patch. the technician should recognize that the transdermal route of administration delivers medication through which of the following mechanisms?

• absorption through the skin into the bloodstream
• direct injection into the muscle tissue
• absorption through the gastrointestinal tract
• inhalation into the pulmonary system

Explanation:

Define transdermal administration

Using the Routes of Administration knowledge point

$$ \text{Transdermal} \implies \text{trans-} (\text{across/through}) + \text{dermis} (\text{skin}) $$

Identify the delivery mechanism

Using the Routes of Administration knowledge point

• Transdermal patches are applied to the skin to deliver a systemic dose of medication.
• The drug diffuses through the skin layers (epidermis and dermis) directly into the local capillary bed and enters the systemic circulation (bloodstream).

Evaluate the given options

Using the Routes of Administration knowledge point

• Absorption through the skin into the bloodstream: Matches the transdermal mechanism.
• Direct injection into the muscle tissue: Describes the intramuscular (IM) route.
• Absorption through the gastrointestinal tract: Describes the oral (PO) route.
• Inhalation into the pulmonary system: Describes the inhalation route.

Answer:

• (A) Absorption through the skin into the bloodstream (Correct answer)
• (B) Direct injection into the muscle tissue
• (C) Absorption through the gastrointestinal tract
• (D) Inhalation into the pulmonary system