A registered nurse is preparing to reconstitute a powdered parenteral medication using a multidose vial of sterile water for injection. Arrange the following procedural steps in the correct chronological order from first to last.
- 1Cleanse the rubber stoppers of both the powdered medication and diluent vials with an antiseptic swab.
- 2Draw a volume of air into the syringe equal to the prescribed amount of diluent required.
- 3Inject the air into the diluent vial and withdraw the specified volume of sterile water.
- 4Inject the withdrawn sterile water into the vial containing the powdered medication.
- 5Gently roll the medication vial between the palms until the powder is completely dissolved.
Answer
The correct sequence for medication reconstitution is: cleanse the vial stoppers, draw air into the syringe, inject air into the diluent vial and withdraw the fluid, inject the diluent into the powder vial, and finally, gently roll the vial to dissolve the medication.
Safe and effective medication reconstitution requires a standardized aseptic sequence. First, the nurse must ensure asepsis by cleansing the stoppers. Next, drawing up and injecting an equivalent volume of air into the diluent vial prevents a vacuum, facilitating the smooth withdrawal of the sterile water. Once the proper amount of diluent is withdrawn, it is injected into the powdered medication vial. Finally, rolling the vial gently ensures the medication dissolves evenly without creating froth or bubbles, allowing for a precise and accurate dose to be drawn up subsequently.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Medication Reconstitution Procedure