What does the term 'nasal' refer to in medication administration?

The term 'nasal' refers specifically to the administration of medication through the nose. This method allows for direct absorption into the bloodstream via the nasal mucosa, which can enable rapid onset of action for certain medications. Nasal administration is often used for medications that need to act quickly, such as decongestants, certain hormones, or even vaccines.

Understanding the term 'nasal' in this context is important, especially for medication aides, as it informs how medications will be delivered and what effects can be expected from their administration. Other routes, such as oral, topical, or ocular (eye drops), each have distinct definitions and applications, but they do not pertain to the nasal route, highlighting the specificity of this term in medication administration.