Medication Vials and Reconstitution Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the self-sealing stopper in a vial?

To prevent the medication from escaping

To indicate the expiration of the medication

To provide a means of entrance after the cap is removed (correct)

To allow for multiple entries without contamination

What should be done before each entry into a multidose vial?

Confirm the presence of discoloration in the medication

Check the vial for expiration date only

It should be labeled with the patient's name

Clean the top of the vial with an antimicrobial swab (correct)

Which is true about single-dose vials?

They can be used multiple times without risk

They require reconstitution before use

They should be discarded after the first use (correct)

They contain powdered medications only

What is NOT an appropriate action when preparing medication from a vial?

Delegating this task to nursing assistive personnel (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommendation from the CDC regarding multiuse vials?

They should be assigned to a single patient whenever possible (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about powdered medications in a vial?

They must be dissolved in an appropriate diluent before administration (D) Signup and view all the answers

What equipment is optional when preparing medication from a vial?

Filter needle (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be assessed in a vial before administration?

The medication for any discoloration or particles (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of swabbing the rubber top of the vial with an antimicrobial swab?

To disinfect the surface and reduce bacterial contamination (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to draw back an amount of air into the syringe before withdrawing medication from a vial?

To create a negative pressure that allows medication to be withdrawn easily (C) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to prevent accidental needlestick injuries when removing the cap from a needle?

Pull the cap off in a straight motion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended sequence for preparing medication from a vial?

Swab the rubber top, draw air, and then remove the cap (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to compare the medication label with the CMAR/MAR?

To ensure the accuracy of the correct medication is selected (B) Signup and view all the answers

What can occur if air is injected directly into the solution of a vial?

It might result in inaccurate withdrawal of medication (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does using a filter needle play when drawing medication from multidose vials?

Filters out solid particles in the medication (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical reason to prepare medications for one patient at a time?

To avoid cross-contamination between patients (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in preparing for medication administration?

Gather equipment and check the medication order. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check the patient's chart for allergies?

To prevent allergic reactions when administering medications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for performing hand hygiene before medication administration?

To deter the spread of microorganisms. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of locking the medication cart or drawer?

To prevent unauthorized access to medications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if there are inconsistencies in the medication order?

Contact the primary care provider for clarification. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does knowing the actions and adverse effects of medications aid nurses?

It enables nurses to educate patients about their medications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check the amount of medication in the syringe before administration?

To ensure the correct dose is withdrawn and discard any surplus (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for using a pass code and scanning employee identification?

To document the administration process and ensure security. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of preparing for medication administration in a designated area?

To facilitate error-free administration and save time. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for labeling a multidose vial with the date and time opened?

To ensure the vial is used within a facility-specified timeframe (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of performing hand hygiene before medication administration?

To deter the spread of microorganisms (D) Signup and view all the answers

What requirement is typically mandated by hospital accrediting organizations regarding medication carts?

They need to be locked when not in use (C) Signup and view all the answers

What step should be taken after all medications for one patient have been prepared?

Recheck the labels with the CMAR/MAR before administration (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to proceed with administration based on the prescribed route?

To minimize the risk of medication errors (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a surplus of medication is detected in the syringe?

Discard the surplus to ensure accuracy (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is not necessary to document after removing the medication from the ampule?

The removal of the medication itself (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in preparing powdered medication for administration?

Gather equipment (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is required after administering medication?

Prompt recording of administration (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked as part of the second check of the medication label?

Compare the labels with the CMAR/MAR (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important safety step before mixing the powdered medication?

Performing hand hygiene (B) Signup and view all the answers

Before injecting the diluent into the powdered medication vial, what should be done?

Remove the metal or plastic cap (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which action helps to ensure medication safety before administration?

Scanning the bar code on the package (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary to verify before preparing the medication?

The appropriateness of the medication (B) Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after swabbing the self-sealing tops of the vials?

Allow to dry completely (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vials

Vials are glass bottles with self-sealing stoppers used for storing and transporting medications
Single-dose vials are designed for one-time use, regardless of the amount of medication used
Multidose vials contain multiple doses and can be used for more than one administration, but the CDC recommends assigning them to a single patient whenever possible
Clean the vial top with an antimicrobial swab before each entry and use a new sterile needle and syringe for each entry
Medication in vials can be in liquid or powder form
Powders must be dissolved in an appropriate diluent before administration

Reconstituting Powdered Medication

Reconstitution involves mixing dry powder medication with a diluent solution
The vial label, package insert, drug reference, online pharmacy source, or pharmacist provide information about the correct amount and type of diluent for each medication
The vial is labeled with the date and time opened and stored according to facility policy for future administrations

Administration & Safety

Medication preparation from a vial is not delegated to NAP or UAP
Depending on the state’s nurse practice act and organization’s policies, LPN/LVNs may be able to prepare medication from a vial
Delegate tasks based on patient needs and the qualifications of the person receiving the delegation

Equipment Needed

Sterile syringe and needle or blunt cannula
Second needle (optional)
Filter needle (optional)
Vial of medication
Antimicrobial swab
Computer-generated Medication Administration Record (CMAR) or Medication Administration Record (MAR)

Assessment

Assess the medication for discoloration or particles
Check the expiration date before administering
Verify patient name, dose, route, and time of administration
Assess the appropriateness of the drug for the patient
Review assessment and laboratory data that may influence drug administration

Nursing Diagnoses

Risk for Infection
Deficient Knowledge
Risk for Injury

Procedural Steps

Perform hand hygiene before preparing any medications
Compare the medication order with the original order in the medical record and clarify inconsistencies
Read the CMAR/MAR and select the medication
Compare the label with the CMAR/MAR and check expiration dates
Perform calculations and verify with a second nurse
Remove the cap from the medication vial and diluent vial
Swab the self-sealing tops with an antimicrobial swab and allow them to dry
Draw up the appropriate amount of diluent into the syringe
Inject the diluent into the powdered medication vial

Documentation

Record medication administration immediately after it is administered

Important Considerations For Administration

Ensure the patient’s allergies have been assessed before medication administration
Be aware of the actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose of administration, and adverse effects of the medications
Withdraw medication into the syringe in a sterile manner
Ensure the correct dose is prepared and measured accurately
Follow facility policies for third checks of labels

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Description

Test your knowledge on the use of vials for storing and transporting medications, including single-dose and multidose vials. Learn about the importance of vial cleanliness and proper reconstitution of powdered medications to ensure safe administration. This quiz will cover critical safety practices and guidelines.