Ketamine administration protocols specify which routes are not allowed for administration in this protocol?

• A. It must be infused via IV over five minutes; cannot administer IVP, IO, IM, or IN
• B. It may be given IVP
• C. It may be given IM
• D. It may be given IN

Answer: (A)

In this protocol, the administration route and rate are strictly defined to ensure a safe, predictable effect and easy titration. Ketamine must be given as an IV infusion over five minutes, and other routes are not permitted. This constraint matters because IV infusion provides a controlled rise in drug levels, reducing the risk of sudden hemodynamic changes, oversedation, airway compromise, or respiratory issues that can come with rapid IV pushes or alternative routes. It also allows dosing to be titrated to effect and monitored more reliably. Routes like IV push, intraosseous, intramuscular, or intranasal have faster or more variable absorption and onset, making them less compatible with the protocol’s safety and efficacy goals.