Questions: Question 4 Which type of medication route would be used to administer an order for hydromorphone 1.5 mg subcutaneous every 3 hours prn pain? Parenteral Topical Enteral Percutaneous

The answer is the first one: Parenteral.

Explanation for each option:

1. Parenteral: This route involves administering medication by injection through the skin or directly into the body, bypassing the digestive system. Subcutaneous administration, where the medication is injected under the skin, is a type of parenteral route. Therefore, hydromorphone 1.5 mg given subcutaneously falls under this category.

2. Topical: This route involves applying medication directly to the skin or mucous membranes. It is not suitable for hydromorphone administered subcutaneously.

3. Enteral: This route involves delivering medication through the gastrointestinal tract, such as oral or rectal administration. It does not apply to subcutaneous injections.

4. Percutaneous: This term generally refers to medication that is absorbed through the skin, similar to topical, but can also include other methods like transdermal patches. It is not the correct term for subcutaneous injections.

In summary, the correct route for administering hydromorphone 1.5 mg subcutaneously is parenteral.