PARENTERAL Meaning and
Definition
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Parenteral is an adjective that refers to the administration or introduction of substances into the body through a route other than the digestive tract. The word is commonly used in the medical field to describe various methods of delivery for medications or fluids that bypass the gastrointestinal system.
Unlike oral medications that are taken by mouth, parenteral administration involves injecting or infusing substances directly into the bloodstream, tissues, or organs. This can be accomplished through various routes, such as intravenous (IV) injection, intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intradermal injection, or intrathecal injection. Parenteral delivery may also include methods like inhalation or topical application, which involve absorption through the lungs or skin, respectively.
Parenteral administration is typically preferred in situations where immediate and accurate drug delivery or fluid replacement is necessary, such as emergency situations, surgeries, or when a patient is unable to take medications orally. It allows for rapid onset of action and ensures efficient absorption of the substance into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system's potential barriers.
Due to the invasiveness of parenteral administration, it is essential to follow strict aseptic techniques to prevent contamination and minimize the risk of infection. Healthcare professionals responsible for parenteral administration must possess proper training, expertise, and adhere to safety protocols to ensure patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.
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In some way other than by the intestinal canal, referring especially to the assimilation of nutritive material introduced into the veins or subcutaneous tissues.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PARENTERAL
Etymology of PARENTERAL
The word "parenteral" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "par-", meaning "beside", and "enteron", meaning "intestine". The term was originally used in the field of medicine to describe the administration of substances through a route other than the digestive tract, bypassing the intestines. Today, "parenteral" commonly refers to the delivery of medication or nutrients directly into the body through intravenous (IV) or other similar methods.
Similar spelling words for PARENTERAL
- parenthetical,
- parenti,
- parente,
- parental,
- parenteau,
- parenterally,
- parentally,
- parented,
- parentage,
- parenthood,
- parentless,
- Parmeter,
- parrent.
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