Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What does "parenteral" refer to in medical contexts?

1. Microbial culture

2. Needle sticks and human bites

3. Contact with airborne pathogens

4. Ingestion of contaminated food

The correct answer is: Needle sticks and human bites

In medical contexts, "parenteral" refers to a route of administering substances into the body that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This typically involves methods such as injections, which can include intramuscular, intravenous, or subcutaneous routes. The term is often associated with the use of needles and encompasses various procedures that involve puncturing the skin, such as needle sticks, as well as potential risks associated with bites that may introduce pathogens directly into the bloodstream. This understanding reflects why the choice involving needle sticks and human bites captures the essence of "parenteral" administration accurately. Other options do not align with this definition since microbial culture pertains to laboratory testing, airborne pathogens involve inhalation, and ingestion specifically refers to oral consumption of substances. Each of these cases represents different routes of exposure or infection that do not match the direct entry method implied by parenteral administration.