Kentucky Medication Aide (KMA) State Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of intracoding medication?

1. To enhance the drug's effectiveness

2. To reduce the cost of medication

3. To minimize stomach irritation

4. To allow for faster absorption into the bloodstream

The correct answer is: To minimize stomach irritation

The main purpose of intracoding medication is to minimize stomach irritation. Certain medications can cause gastrointestinal discomfort when taken orally due to their acidic nature or specific chemical properties. Intracoding refers to a technique where the medication is coated in a protective layer that allows it to bypass the stomach, reducing the likelihood of irritation and discomfort. This is particularly important for patients who may have sensitive stomachs or conditions like ulcers, as ensuring that the medication does not exacerbate their symptoms is a key consideration in medication administration. While enhancing drug effectiveness, reducing costs, and promoting faster absorption are valid considerations in medication design and administration, the specific goal of intracoding is to protect the stomach and improve patient comfort during treatment.