Indiana Qualified Medication Assistant (QMA) State Practice Exam

What is the primary method of buccal medication administration?

1. Ingestion with water

2. Placement under the tongue

3. Placed between teeth and mucous membrane of the cheek

4. Rubbed into the skin

The correct answer is: Placed between teeth and mucous membrane of the cheek

The primary method of buccal medication administration involves placing the medication between the teeth and the mucous membrane of the cheek. This method allows for the medication to dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the mucosal tissues in the mouth, enabling a quick onset of action. Buccal administration is particularly advantageous because it bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and liver metabolism, which can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications. Additionally, this route allows for a more consistent release and absorption of the drug, enhancing its therapeutic effects. In contrast, placing medication under the tongue refers to sublingual administration, which is a different method that offers its own specific absorption characteristics. Ingestion with water pertains to traditional oral administration, while rubbing a medication into the skin describes topical application, neither of which aligns with the definition and purpose of buccal administration. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for effective medication delivery and patient care in a healthcare setting.