What are the two methods mentioned for administering antibiotics?

• A. By mouth and topical
• B. By mouth and parenteral injection
• C. By inhalation and topical
• D. Parenteral injection only

Answer: (B)

Antibiotics in field care are delivered through routes that ensure the medicine reaches the bloodstream reliably. The two methods mentioned are by mouth and parenteral injection. By mouth works well when the patient can swallow and the antibiotic is well absorbed through the digestive system, providing a convenient, noninvasive option. Parenteral injection bypasses the gut entirely, delivering medicine directly into muscle or vein for faster, more predictable absorption—essential when a patient cannot take oral meds, has vomiting, or needs rapid effect. Together, these two routes cover most systemic antibiotic needs in austere settings. Other routes like topical for wounds or inhaled forms exist, but they aren’t the two methods described for systemic antibiotic administration in this context.