Which route involves applying medication to the skin or mucous membranes?

Which route involves applying medication to the skin or mucous membranes?

• A. Vaginal
• B. Oral
• C. Topical
• D. Inhalation

Answer: (C)

The main idea is how meds are applied to the body’s surfaces. When a medication is applied to the skin or mucous membranes, that’s the topical route. It’s used for local effects on surfaces like the skin, eyes, ears, nose, or vaginal area, and includes products such as creams, ointments, lotions, gels, and patches. The other routes involve different pathways: oral is swallowed and goes through the digestive system, inhalation is breathed into the lungs, and vaginal refers to a specific mucosal site rather than the general surface application.

The main idea is how meds are applied to the body’s surfaces. When a medication is applied to the skin or mucous membranes, that’s the topical route. It’s used for local effects on surfaces like the skin, eyes, ears, nose, or vaginal area, and includes products such as creams, ointments, lotions, gels, and patches. The other routes involve different pathways: oral is swallowed and goes through the digestive system, inhalation is breathed into the lungs, and vaginal refers to a specific mucosal site rather than the general surface application.