What routes are available for ondansetron in EMS standing orders?

• A. Intravenous
• B. Oral, intravenous, or dissolving sublingual tablet, depending on protocol
• C. Rectal
• D. Inhaled

Answer: (B)

Ondansetron in EMS standing orders is approved through multiple routes, and which routes you can use depends on the protocol. This option reflects real-world practice where the medication may be given orally, intravenously, or as a dissolving sublingual tablet to fit different patient situations and what the agency allows. The dissolving sublingual tablet is particularly useful when IV access isn’t available or feasible, while oral administration works when the patient can swallow and has a protected airway. Intravenous administration provides rapid onset when rapid symptom control is needed or when the patient can’t take medications by mouth.

Rectal and inhaled routes aren’t standard options in typical EMS standing orders for ondansetron, so they aren’t included in most protocols. Always follow your local standing orders, which specify the approved routes for your agency.