Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

Which method describes substances being taken into the body aside from ingestion?

1. Infection

2. Parenteral

3. Transdermal

4. Intravenous

The correct answer is: Parenteral

The method described in the context of substances being taken into the body aside from ingestion is known as parenteral. This term specifically refers to any route of administration that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. Parenteral delivery methods typically include injections, infusions, and other techniques where substances are provided directly into the body's tissues or bloodstream, allowing for rapid absorption and effect. This method is essential in medical settings for delivering medications effectively, especially in cases where patients cannot swallow or require immediate action, such as in emergencies. Parenteral administration can include various approaches, such as intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections, which all fall under this broader category. In relation to the other options, while intravenous also refers to a method of administration, it is more specific and is just one type of parenteral route. Transdermal refers to the absorption of substances through the skin, which, while bypassing ingestion, does not encompass all parenteral methods. Infection is not a method of substance delivery but rather a process that could occur when pathogens enter the body. Therefore, parenteral encompasses a wider range of administration routes relevant to the question.