Which of the following best describes 'hypodermic' in medical practice?

Prepare for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) National Credential Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

In medical practice, "hypodermic" specifically refers to the administration of substances beneath the skin. This term is derived from "hypo," meaning under, and "derm," which pertains to the skin. Hypodermic injections utilize a syringe and needle to deliver medications or vaccines directly into the subcutaneous tissue, allowing for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. This method is especially useful for delivering medications that need to act quickly or are not suitable for oral administration.

The other options pertain to different medical practices that do not match the meaning of "hypodermic." For instance, methods for oral medication involve ingesting drugs, which does not involve injecting beneath the skin. Skin grafting techniques are surgical procedures aimed at wound coverage and do not relate to the injection of substances. Intravenous treatments involve delivering fluids or medications directly into the bloodstream via a vein, which is different from the subcutaneous approach characterizing hypodermic methods.

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