Vial Chathpt Q&A Flashcards
What is a vial?
A vial is a small glass container with a rubber stopper, sealed with a metal or plastic cap, used for single- or multi-dose medications in liquid or powder form.
What is an ampule?
An ampule is a single-dose glass container with a constricted neck designed for breaking to access the medication.
What is the risk of using an ampule?
Breaking the ampule may produce glass shards, which can be hazardous to the patient and nurse. Always use a filter needle to withdraw medication.
What should be assessed before withdrawing medication?
Expiration date. Integrity of vial/ampule and rubber stopper. Medication appearance (color, consistency, debris). Syringe, needles, and equipment for intact packaging and expiration date.
What equipment is required?
Vial or ampule. Diluent (if reconstituting). Sterile syringe and needles (filter needle if using an ampule). Alcohol swabs and gauze pads. Clean workspace. Medication Administration Record (MAR).
How do you prepare an ampule?
Tap the ampule to move fluid to the base. Protect fingers with gauze while breaking the ampule at its neck.
How is medication withdrawn from an ampule?
Attach a filter needle. Insert the needle into the ampule without touching the rim. Keep the needle tip below the liquid surface and draw the medication.
How do you remove air bubbles from the syringe?
Hold the syringe upright, tap to move bubbles to the top, and slowly expel the air.
What should you do after withdrawing the medication?
Replace the filter needle with an injection needle. Recheck the label with the MAR for accuracy.
How do you prepare the vial?
Remove the cap and wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab.
Why is air injected into the vial?
Inject air equal to the medication dose to prevent negative pressure.
How is medication withdrawn from a vial?
Invert the vial with the needle tip below the liquid. Allow air pressure to fill the syringe or gently pull the plunger to the required dose.
What must be done if using a multidose vial?
Label the vial with the date and time opened, and store per facility policy.
How is a powdered medication prepared?
Add diluent from an ampule or vial. Roll the vial between palms to mix (do not shake).
How is the correct dose drawn after reconstitution?
Follow the same steps as withdrawing from a liquid vial.
