A patient is in need of immediate pain relief for a severe headache. Which medication will the nurse administer to be absorbed the quickest?

A) Acetaminophen 650 mg PO
B) Hydromorphone 4 mg IV
C) Ketorolac 8 mg IM
D) Morphine 6 mg SQ

IV is the fastest route for absorption owing to the increase in blood flow. The richer the blood supply to the site of administration, the faster a medication is absorbed. Medications administered intravenously enter the bloodstream and act immediately, whereas those given in other routes take time to enter the bloodstream and have an effect. Oral, subcutaneous (SQ), and intramuscular (IM) are others ways to deliver medication but with less blood flow, slowing absorption.