How is Meperidine (Demerol) commonly administered?

Meperidine (Demerol) can be administered orally and parenterally, making this choice correct. The oral route allows for convenience and ease of administration, while the parenteral route, which includes intramuscular and intravenous options, provides flexibility in situations requiring quicker onset of pain relief. Parenteral administration is particularly useful during acute pain episodes or in a hospital setting, where patients might need rapid analgesia.

Meperidine is not typically administered intranasally or subcutaneously in standard medical practices, which is why options that include these routes are not accurate representations. Generally, the oral route is chosen for less severe pain management as it has a lengthy duration of action and is well-tolerated by patients, while the parenteral route is preferred in more acute situations where immediate relief is paramount. This flexibility in routes of administration helps healthcare providers tailor pain management strategies to individual patient needs.