Figure 1-9. Tapping medication down.
(4) Grasp the ampule with both hands (see figure 1-10). Snap the neck of
the ampule by bending away from the breakline. Ampule should be snapped away from
any person, including the patient, and the medication tray to prevent possible injury from
flying glass.
Figure 1-10. Grasping ampule.
(5) Inspect the ampule for minute glass particles. If any glass particles are
observed, discard the ampule and obtain another or use a filter needle.
(6) Pick up the assembled needle and syringe in dominant hand and
remove the protective cover. Regardless of method used, care must be exercised not
to contaminate the needle.
(7) Insert the needle and withdraw the medication in either of the following
ways (see fig 1-11):
(a) Holding the ampule horizontally in the nondominant hand and the
syringe in the dominant hand, insert the needle into the medication.
OR
(b) Placing the ampule upright on a flat surface and stabilizing it with
the nondominant hand, insert the needle to withdraw the medication.
MD0552
1-18