Assistive Medication Administration Personnel (AMAP) Practice Exam

What does the abbreviation "SL" indicate about the delivery method of medication?

1. It should be injected

2. It should be taken orally

3. It should be placed under the tongue

4. It is available as a topical cream

The correct answer is: It should be placed under the tongue

The abbreviation "SL" stands for "sublingual," which refers to a method of delivering medication by placing it under the tongue. This method allows for rapid absorption of the drug into the bloodstream through the tissues in that area, bypassing the digestive system and providing quicker effects than oral ingestion. Sublingual medications are often used for drugs that need to work quickly, such as certain pain relievers or medications for heart conditions. The other delivery methods associated with the other options involve different routes which do not correspond to the meaning of "SL." For instance, injections require a syringe and needle, while oral medications are typically swallowed and processed through the digestive system. Topical creams are applied to the skin and do not utilize sublingual delivery.