How are medications typically administered during surgery?

During surgery, medications are typically administered through an intravenous (IV) line or inhalation due to the need for rapid and controlled delivery of anesthetics and other therapeutic agents. IV administration allows for immediate effects, which is crucial in a surgical setting where timing and precision are vital. This method ensures that the medication quickly reaches the bloodstream and acts fast, which is important for maintaining anesthesia and managing patients’ vital signs throughout the procedure.

Inhalation is commonly used for anesthetic gases, allowing for swift induction of anesthesia and the ability to easily adjust the level of anesthesia during surgery. This method provides a direct route to the lungs, where the medication can be rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Other methods of medication administration, such as oral or topical routes, are not typically suitable in the surgical context due to their slower onset times and less predictable absorption rates. While injection into muscle (intramuscular administration) can be used in some cases, it is generally less preferred during surgery when immediate effects are necessary. Thus, the combination of IV and inhalation methods is the standard approach for administering medications during surgical procedures.