Subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous pathways are also types of parenteral administration.

A
medication must be water-soluble or suspension in order for these routes to be achievable. As a
student, I think it has many benefits. For example, the intravenous route of administration, in which the
medication is injected directly into the bloodstream, ensures that 100 percent of the drug delivered is
rapidly absorbed. In certain scenarios, such as with anti-infective agents and in emergency conditions
involving asthmatic patients, these routes of delivery can be the only way to achieve therapeutic
concentrations at the particular problems. Also, this is easy to give to patients who cannot take the drug
orally especially those who are admitted to intensive care units (ICU) such as intubated, in deep sedation
or suffering from chronic diseases.

Aside from its advantages, it also has disadvantages, most notably patient irritation (the patient may
experience pain and swelling at the injection site); the need for sterile environments (potentially
harmful pathogens may enter our system, hence this route of administration would need a sterile
condition and equipment); and the possible dangers of blood-borne pathogens to us as healthcare
providers. These routes of drug administration may not always be viable because of inconvenience and
cost. Also, if we incorrectly administer the drug to a patient adverse drug reactions can occur so it may
be difficult for us to reverse its physiological effect.

Safe administration of parenteral medication is very important for the quality care of patient and it is
very important for the cure of disease and promoting client health. Every individual nurse should know
about the importance of safe administration of parenteral medication and should have enough
knowledge to perform safe practice. To administer parenteral medications safely, it is very important to
understand how to prevent an infection, prevent medication errors and prevent discomfort to the
patient.