What does administering medication via the nasal route involve?

Administering medication via the nasal route involves dropping or spraying medication into the nose. This method allows the medication to be absorbed quickly through the nasal mucosa, providing a rapid onset of action. The nasal route is particularly useful for medications that may be poorly absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract or that require a quick therapeutic effect, such as certain hormones, analgesics, or nasal decongestants.

In contrast, other options listed do not involve the nasal route: application of drugs directly to the skin relates to topical administration, placing medications in the ear pertains to otic delivery, and administering drugs by the mouth aligns with oral medication routes. Each of these methods targets different areas for the absorption and effectiveness of medication, whereas the nasal route specifically targets the nasal passages for direct entry into the systemic circulation.