What are the common routes of drug administration?

The correct choice identifies the common routes of drug administration as oral, intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, and topical, which are vital for understanding how medications are delivered into the body.

Oral administration is one of the most widely used methods, involving the patient swallowing the medication, which is then absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Intravenous (IV) administration allows for direct entry of the medication into the bloodstream, providing immediate effects and is often used in emergency situations or for patients who cannot take medications orally. Intramuscular (IM) administration involves injecting the drug into a muscle, which allows for faster absorption than oral but slower than IV. Subcutaneous (SC) administration, where drugs are injected into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle, is commonly used for vaccines and insulin. Topical administration involves applying medication directly to a localized area on the skin or mucous membrane, which is effective for dermatological treatments or localized pain relief.

This comprehensive list reflects the versatility in drug administration techniques used based on clinical needs, patient conditions, and the desired speed of therapeutic effect. Options that only mention a few routes limit the understanding of the various methods available and do not encompass the full range of practices utilized in medical settings.