Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

Which type of drug administration is done directly into the GI tract either orally or rectally?

1. Topical

2. Intravenous

3. Parenteral

4. Enteral

The correct answer is: Enteral

The correct choice is enteral administration because it involves delivering medication directly into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This method can be achieved through two primary routes: orally, where drugs are taken by mouth and absorbed through the digestive system, and rectally, where drugs are administered through the rectum for absorption. Enteral administration is commonly used for its convenience and ability to provide systemic effects or localized treatment within the GI tract. In contrast, topical administration refers to applying drugs directly onto the skin or mucous membranes, which does not involve the GI tract. Intravenous administration delivers drugs directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the GI tract entirely. Parenteral administration includes routes other than oral or rectal, such as intramuscular or subcutaneous, which also do not involve the GI tract. Therefore, enteral is the only option that correctly identifies drug administration directly into the GI tract.