Question

The route by which medicated solutions are instilled into the nostrils is ______.

Short answer

Nasal route.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the meaning of 'instilled'

The term 'instilled' in medical contexts typically refers to the administration of liquids drop by drop. It involves introducing a liquid, such as a medicated solution, into a body part for healing or therapeutic effects.

Understand medical route terminologies

Routes of administration refer to the path by which a drug is taken into the body. Common routes include oral, topical, intravenous, and nasal, among others.

Determine the route for nostrils

Given the definition of 'instilled' and the requirement for administering into the 'nostrils', the common medical route for this is the 'nasal' route. This involves delivering the medication directly through the nose, allowing for local action or absorption into the bloodstream via the nasal mucosa.

Key concepts

Medicated Solutions

Medicated solutions refer to liquid forms of medications, which are designed for easy administration and absorption into the body. These solutions can include a wide range of medicines, from saline solutions to complex pharmaceutical compounds. The purpose is often to target specific symptoms or diseases effectively. Medicated solutions may be used for various treatments, such as relieving congestion or delivering antibiotics.
Understanding their composition and method of action is crucial in medical treatment. The solutions are typically sterile and can be found in various concentrations, depending on the required potency.

• Saline solutions: Often used for hydration and decongestion.
• Antibiotic solutions: Target bacterial infections.
• Pain relief solutions: Used for localized pain management.

The form and delivery of these medicated solutions can vary significantly depending on the route of administration chosen.

Routes of Administration

The routes of administration are fundamental in determining how a medication reaches the target area in the body. They play a significant role in the medicine's effectiveness and speed of action. These routes can be broadly categorized based on where the medication is absorbed and the means of delivery.
Some common routes include:

• Oral: Ingested through the mouth, ideal for systemic effects.
• Topical: Applied to the skin surface for localized action.
• Intravenous: Injected directly into the bloodstream for quick absorption.
• Nasal: Through the nostrils, useful for both local and systemic effects.

Using the nasal route, for instance, can help administer medications directly to the respiratory system or into the bloodstream via the nasal mucosa. Each path has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of medication and condition being treated.

Medical Terminology

Understanding and using medical terminology accurately is crucial for healthcare professionals and students alike. These terms help standardize communication within the medical community, ensuring clear and precise descriptions of medical processes and conditions.
In the context of administration, terms like **instillation** convey the method of delivery by which medicated solutions are applied drop by drop. Such clarity in language is essential, especially when discussing routes such as the nasal or intravenous.
Learning medical terminology involves knowing:

• Prefixes: Indicating location, number or time (e.g., 'intra-' meaning 'within').
• Roots: The core meaning of the term (e.g., 'cardi' referring to 'heart').
• Suffixes: Usually indicating the procedure, condition, or disease (e.g., '-itis' denoting inflammation).

Mastering these terms not only aids in understanding medical literature but also enhances the ability to describe complex concepts simply and accurately.