17. Using aseptic technique, which of the following steps must a pharmacy technician take when withdrawing medication from a multiple-dose vial?
Answer: D
Remove an equal amount of air for the volume of fluid to be withdrawn.
To maintain aseptic technique when withdrawing medication from a multiple-dose vial, it is crucial to remove an equal amount of air for the volume of fluid to be withdrawn. This practice helps prevent negative pressure in the vial, ensuring proper fluid withdrawal and minimizing contamination risk.
A) Swab the rubber stopper with sterile water.
Swabbing the rubber stopper with sterile water is not a standard practice for aseptic technique; instead, it is typically recommended to use an alcohol swab to disinfect the stopper. While cleaning the stopper is important, this option does not address the specific technique required for maintaining pressure balance in the vial during withdrawal.
B) Insert the needle into the rubber stopper with the bevel end up.
While inserting the needle with the bevel end up is a common practice to minimize the risk of coring, it does not specifically pertain to the technique of balancing air pressure when withdrawing medication. This option does not directly relate to the critical step needed to ensure aseptic technique in this context.
C) Tap the needle to remove air bubbles.
Tapping the needle to remove air bubbles is a general practice in medication preparation but does not specifically focus on the aseptic technique required when withdrawing from a multiple-dose vial. This technique is more about ensuring accurate dosing rather than addressing the critical issue of air pressure balance in the vial.
D) Remove an equal amount of air for the volume of fluid to be withdrawn.
This is the correct answer as it is essential to remove an equal amount of air when withdrawing medication to prevent the formation of a vacuum in the vial. This practice ensures that the medication can be drawn out smoothly and reduces the risk of contamination, making it a vital step in maintaining aseptic technique.
Conclusion
The correct answer, removing an equal amount of air for the volume of fluid to be withdrawn, is essential for maintaining aseptic technique when withdrawing medication from a multiple-dose vial. Other options, while related to general aseptic practices, do not directly address the vital step of balancing air pressure, which is crucial for safe and effective medication withdrawal.