Which of the following medication routes does a medical assistant administer topically?

Subcutaneous administration involves injecting medication into the fatty tissue beneath the skin but does not involve topical application. This route is primarily used for medications that require absorption into the bloodstream rather than local effects on the skin.

Intramuscular administration involves injecting medication directly into a muscle. This route is intended for faster absorption compared to subcutaneous injections but does not relate to topical administration, as it requires penetrating deeper tissues rather than acting on the surface of the skin.

Percutaneous administration refers to the absorption of medication through the skin or mucous membranes, typically used in contexts such as patches or ointments. However, this term is broader and may not exclusively imply the direct topical application as transdermal does, which is focused specifically on systemic effects through the skin.