A nurse should have a patient remain in the office for 15 minutes following the administration of which of the following medications? Select all that apply.

A. Intramuscular: Intramuscular (IM) injections are absorbed faster than oral medications due to the richer blood supply in muscles compared to subcutaneous tissues.

B. Intravenous: Intravenous (IV) administration provides immediate systemic absorption as the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream.

C. Topically: Topical medications are applied to the skin and generally have a slower absorption rate compared to systemic routes.

D. Transdermal: Transdermal patches provide a steady, controlled release of medication through the skin, but absorption is slower compared to IM and IV routes.

E. Oral pills: Oral medications are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, which is slower compared to IM and IV routes.

A. Call the health-care provider to see if intravenous fluids are needed: This is not usually necessary unless the patient has a condition that requires it. It's more important to ensure NPO status is maintained.

B. Increase fluid intake prior to midnight to make sure the patient remains hydrated: This could be done, but it is less important than ensuring the patient follows the NPO instructions.

C. Remove the patient's water pitcher at the bedside shortly before midnight: This is the correct answer. Removing the pitcher helps prevent the patient from accidentally drinking water and violating NPO status.

D. This is an example of a STAT order and should be documented in the patient's chart: NPO orders are not STAT orders; they are routine orders related to the preparation for a procedure.