FFA Veterinary Science CDE Practice Test

Which method is typically used to administer nutrients directly through an animal's bloodstream?

1. Topical application

2. Oral administration

3. Intravenous injection

4. Subcutaneous injection

The correct answer is: Intravenous injection

Administering nutrients directly through an animal's bloodstream is most commonly achieved through an intravenous injection. This method allows substances to be delivered quickly and efficiently, providing immediate access to the circulatory system. Intravenous administration is particularly useful in veterinary medicine for delivering fluids, medications, and nutrients, especially in situations where an animal may be dehydrated or unable to take substances orally. Topical application delivers substances onto the skin rather than through the bloodstream, and oral administration involves giving nutrients through the mouth, which requires digestion and absorption before they enter the bloodstream. Subcutaneous injection, while effective for certain medications and vaccinations, involves injecting substances into the tissue beneath the skin, from where they must also be absorbed before they enter the blood. Therefore, for direct nutrient delivery into the bloodstream, intravenous injection is the preferred method.