Question

Difficulty: MediumPharmacological Therapies

A practical nurse is preparing to withdraw a prescribed medication from a glass ampule. In what order should the nurse perform the following steps? Arrange the steps from first to last.

  1. 1Tap the top of the ampule lightly to move the medication down.
  2. 2Place a sterile gauze pad or unopened alcohol swab around the ampule neck.
  3. 3Snap the neck of the ampule quickly and firmly away from the body.
  4. 4Attach a filter needle to the syringe and withdraw the medication.
  5. 5Remove the filter needle and attach an appropriate administration needle.

Answer

The correct sequence for withdrawing medication from an ampule begins with moving fluid to the bottom chamber, protecting the hands, breaking the ampule safely, using a filter needle to withdraw, and finally changing to an administration needle.
When preparing medication from an ampule, the priority is to ensure accurate dosage and safety from glass shards. First, tapping the ampule ensures all fluid is available to draw. Next, wrapping the neck protects the nurse's fingers, and breaking it away from the body protects the face. A filter needle is then essential to prevent aspirating glass particles. Finally, the filter needle must be discarded and replaced with a proper injection needle to ensure safe administration to the client.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Tap the top of the ampule lightly.
Medication moves to the bottom chamber.
Ensures all medication is available for withdrawal and prevents spillage.
2
Wrap the neck with a sterile gauze pad or unopened alcohol swab.
The glass neck is safely covered.
Protects the nurse's fingers from sharp glass shards during opening.
3
Snap the neck of the ampule quickly and firmly away from the body.
The ampule is opened safely.
Prevents shattered glass from flying toward the nurse's face or body.
4
Withdraw the medication using a filter needle attached to the syringe.
Medication is drawn into the syringe without glass particles.
The filter needle traps any microscopic glass fragments that may have fallen into the liquid.
5
Replace the filter needle with an appropriate administration needle.
The syringe is safely prepared for client injection.
Filter needles are strictly for withdrawal and can cause severe tissue damage or inject trapped glass if used for administration.

Key Concept

Safe withdrawal of medication from a glass ampule
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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