National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) Practice Exam

Which of the following terms means that medication has been delivered directly to the spinal column?

1. Intravenously

2. Intramuscularly

3. Subcutaneously

4. Intrathecally

The correct answer is: Intrathecally

The term that signifies medication has been delivered directly to the spinal column is intrathecally. This route of administration involves injecting the medication into the intrathecal space, which is the area surrounding the spinal cord. This technique allows for direct access to the central nervous system, leading to more immediate effects, especially for managing pain, spasticity, or other neurological conditions. In contrast, the other terms refer to different routes of medication delivery that do not involve the spinal column. Intravenously refers to the delivery of medication directly into a vein, which is often used for quick absorption into the bloodstream. Intramuscularly denotes delivery into a muscle, which is effective for certain medications that need to be absorbed at a slower rate compared to intravenous administration. Subcutaneously indicates delivery into the tissue layer between the skin and muscle, often used for medications that require gradual absorption, but it bypasses the spinal column entirely. Understanding these terms is crucial for healthcare professionals in selecting the appropriate route of medication administration based on the specific needs of their patients.