Nursing Administration of Medications from Vials

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Questions and Answers

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

To facilitate the injection process

To ensure the air inside the vial is sterile

To prevent the medication from clumping

To remove surface bacteria contamination (correct)

Why is it necessary to draw back an amount of air equal to the specific dose of medication before withdrawing from a vial?

To prevent contamination from the outside

To facilitate easier withdrawal of medication (correct)

To sterilize the needle

To create a pressure difference in the vial

What could happen if air is injected into the solution of the vial?

It could lead to faster medication withdrawal

It could cause withdrawal of an inaccurate amount of medication (correct)

It can solidify the medication

It can contaminate the medication

When preparing medication, what is the correct technique to remove the cap from the needle?

Pulling it straight off Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for using a filter needle when withdrawing medication from multidose vials?

To prevent solid material from being withdrawn through the needle Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after inserting the needle tip into the vial?

Invert the vial to draw medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the metal cap on a vial?

To protect the medication from contamination during storage. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about single-dose vials is true?

They are designed for one-time use and should be discarded afterward. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it advised to handle the plunger only at the knob when drawing medication?

To avoid contamination of the medication Signup and view all the answers

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

Clean the top of the vial with an antimicrobial swab. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a reason for comparing the medication label with the CMAR/MAR?

To confirm the correct medication is selected Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for preparing medication from a vial?

Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs), if delegated. Signup and view all the answers

What must be verified before administering medication from a vial?

The patient's name, dose, and route. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should be done to powdered medication before administration?

Dissolve it in an appropriate diluent. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration in delegating tasks related to medication administration?

The qualifications of the person to whom the task is being delegated. Signup and view all the answers

What type of equipment is typically required for medication administration from a vial?

Sterile syringe and needle or blunt cannula. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for gathering equipment before medication administration?

To ensure all necessary supplies are available before starting Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to compare the medication order against the original order in the medical record?

To identify potential errors during transcription Signup and view all the answers

What should the nurse do if there is a discrepancy between the medication order and the medical record?

Clarify the inconsistencies with the primary care provider Signup and view all the answers

How does knowledge of actions and adverse effects of medications benefit the nurse?

It helps in evaluating therapeutic effects and educating the patient Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of performing hand hygiene before medication administration?

It prevents the spread of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to lock the medication cart when not in use?

To prevent unauthorized access and ensure patient safety Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken to ensure authorized access to the medication cart?

Enter a specific pass code and scan employee identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of knowing safe dose ranges for medications?

To avoid legal issues related to overdosing Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of keeping the tip of the needle or blunt cannula above the fluid level?

To prevent air from being aspirated into the syringe. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to hold the syringe at eye level when drawing medication?

To allow for better visibility and accurate reading. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if air bubbles accumulate in the syringe after drawing medication?

Tap the syringe to move the air bubbles to the top. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a filter needle in the procedure described?

To prevent solid materials from entering the patient. Signup and view all the answers

Why should the needle be recapped after withdrawing medication?

To prevent accidental needlesticks. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is recommended to maintain sterility while handling the plunger?

Only hold the plunger at the knob. Signup and view all the answers

What might be required if a filter needle was used for medication withdrawal?

Change the needle before administration. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to remove air bubbles from the syringe?

To ensure an accurate dose of medication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of ensuring the tip of the needle is free from medication residue?

To reduce pain intensity associated with the injection Signup and view all the answers

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

To ensure the correct dose is withdrawn Signup and view all the answers

What does the third check of medication typically involve?

Rechecking the labels with the CMAR/MAR Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with a multidose vial after it is opened?

Label it with the date and time opened Signup and view all the answers

Why must the medication cart or drawer be locked before leaving it?

To safeguard the patient’s medication supply Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of performing hand hygiene during medication preparation?

It deters the spread of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

How is medication typically withdrawn into the syringe?

In a sterile manner to prevent contamination Signup and view all the answers

Is it necessary to document the removal of medication from the ampule?

No, it's not necessary if the medication is administered promptly Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vials and Medication

Vials are glass bottles with self-sealing stoppers used to store medications.
Single-dose vials are used once and discarded, regardless of the amount of medication used.
Multidose vials contain several doses and can be used multiple times; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends assigning them to a single patient whenever possible.
Vials can contain liquid or powder forms of medication.
Powdered forms must be dissolved in a diluent before administration.

Administering Medication from a Vial

Nurses must assess the vial for discoloration or particles and check the expiration date before administering medication.
The nurse must verify the patient's name, dose, route, and time of administration.
They must also assess the appropriateness of the medication for the patient and review assessment data.

Nursing Considerations

Preparing medication from a vial is not delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) or unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
It may be delegated to licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs), depending on state laws, organizational policies, and the patient's needs.

Steps for Administering Medication from a Vial

Gather equipment, which includes a sterile syringe and needle, a vial of medication, an antimicrobial swab, and a computer-generated Medication Administration Record (CMAR) or Medication Administration Record (MAR).
Wash hands.
Read the CMAR/MAR and select the proper medication.
Compare the medication label with the CMAR/MAR. Check expiration dates and perform calculations if necessary.
Remove the metal or plastic cap that covers the stopper.
Swab the rubber stopper with an antimicrobial swab and allow it to dry.
Remove the cap from the needle.
Draw back an amount of air into the syringe equal to the specific dose of medication, injecting it into the vial but not into the solution.
Invert the vial and hold the needle below the fluid level.
Withdraw the medication while holding the syringe vertically and at eye level.
Remove any air bubbles from the syringe.
After withdrawing the correct dose, remove the needle from the vial and replace the cap.
Check the syringe for the amount of medication and discard any surplus.
Perform hand hygiene after completing the process.

Documentation

It is not necessary to record the removal of the medication from the vial.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential practices for administering medications from vials, including preparation and nursing considerations. It highlights the differences between single-dose and multidose vials and emphasizes safety precautions nurses must take before administration. Test your knowledge on the proper procedures and best practices.