Figure 1-7. Examination of a rubber stopper.
(4) Slowly draw the plunger of the syringe until slightly more than (about
0.2 cc more) the amount of medication prescribed in the doctor's orders has been drawn
into the syringe. This extra medication will be expelled when the syringe is cleared of
air bubbles (step k).
i.
Prepare and Draw Powdered Medication.
(1) Remove the metal protective caps of the stoppered vial containing the
powdered medication and the vial containing the sterile diluent used to put the
powdered medication into a solution.
(2) Cleanse the stoppers of both vials. (Blot the top of the stopper with an
alcohol sponge rather than move it around in a circular motion. You can rub off fibers of
the sponge onto the top of the stopper.)
(3) If the vial with the powdered medication contains air, the solution may be
difficult to inject. Therefore, the medical specialist must withdraw a sufficient amount of
air to allow the solution to be injected.
(4) Withdraw the required diluent (solution) using the procedure for the
stoppered vial.
(5) Holding the vial with the powdered medication horizontally, insert the
needle through the stopper and inject solution.
(6) Withdraw the needle. Hold the needle/syringe in nondominate hand,
being careful not to contaminate the needle. Gently shake the vial until all of the
powder is dissolved. Visually inspect the solution to ensure that the solution is well
mixed. All powder should be thoroughly dissolved for maximum safety and
effectiveness and to ensure that the required medication is delivered. Change the
needle. Select a needle according to the type of injection. See the criteria in
paragraphs 1-13c(1) and (2) of this subcourse lesson. Push the plunger fully into the
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