Question

If a medication is a powder, but is ordered to be administered via injection, what should the medical assistant do?

A) Reconstitute the medication using the suggested solution by the manufacturer.
B) Use a filter needle to draw the powder up into a syringe and inject it into an IV bag.
C) Use a filter needle to draw the powder up into the syringe, then draw saline or sterile water into the syringe to mix it.
D) call the pharmacy to obtain the correct medication.

Answer 1

The medical assistant should reconstitute the powder medication with a solvent according to the manufacturer's instructions before administering it via injection. Aseptic techniques must be used during this process to maintain sterility, and calculations for diluting the medication to the correct concentration are typically necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a medication is a powder but is ordered to be administered via injection, the medical assistant should first check the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, the powder will need to be reconstituted into a solution before it can be given as an injection. This involves adding a specific amount of a solvent, such as sterile water or saline, to the powder. The assistant should not use a filter needle to draw the powder directly into a syringe. Instead, the powder should be mixed with the solvent to form a liquid solution, which can then be drawn into a syringe for injection. This process involves aseptic techniques to ensure the medication remains sterile throughout the preparation.

For example, if an IV medication like potassium chloride (KCl) is required, the assistant must use an appropriate stock solution and dilute it to the correct concentration in an IV bag. This requires the assistant to perform a dilution calculation to ensure the correct dosage. It is crucial that these steps are performed accurately to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.