A nurse is preparing a prescribed intramuscular dose of a medication that is supplied as a dry powder in a sterile vial. The medication requires reconstitution with bacteriostatic water before administration. In what chronological sequence should the nurse perform the following actions to safely prepare the medication?
- 1Perform hand hygiene and scrub the rubber stoppers of both the medication and diluent vials with an alcohol swab.
- 2Draw an amount of air into the syringe equal to the required diluent volume and inject it into the diluent vial.
- 3Withdraw the appropriate volume of diluent into the syringe and inject it into the vial containing the powdered medication.
- 4Withdraw the needle and gently roll the medication vial between the palms of the hands until the powder completely dissolves.
- 5Scrub the stopper of the medication vial with a new alcohol swab, inject air into the vial, and withdraw the prescribed dose of the reconstituted drug.
Answer
The correct sequence begins with maintaining asepsis by performing hand hygiene and swabbing the stoppers. Next, air is injected into the diluent vial to equalize pressure, allowing the fluid to be withdrawn. The diluent is then injected into the powder, and the vial is gently rolled to dissolve the medication without creating bubbles. Finally, the stopper is cleansed again to safely withdraw the prescribed dose.
The standard procedure for reconstituting medication requires strict aseptic technique and pressure equalization. Cleansing stoppers first prevents contamination. Injecting air into the diluent vial allows for smooth fluid withdrawal. The diluent is then added to the powder, and the vial is rolled gently to mix without creating bubbles. Finally, the reconstituted medication is withdrawn for administration using continued aseptic practices.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Preparation and Reconstitution of Parenteral Medications