medications

Ampoules

• Definition: An ampule is a sealed container used to hold medications.
• Usage:
  • Typically used for last doses of medication.
  • May have a line or ridge indicating where to break it.
• Breaking an Ampule:
  • Use a 4x4 or 2x2 gauze to wrap around the ampule before breaking.
  • Technique: Pull the ampule away from yourself to prevent glass from spraying towards you.
  • Caution: If wearing glasses, ensure they are secure; broken glass can cause serious injury to the eyes.

Drawing Up Medication from Ampoules

• Needle Selection:
  • Do not use a regular needle for drawing medication from ampules due to the risk of glass particles mixing with the medication.
  • Use a filtered needle to prevent any glass shards from entering the syringe.
• Procedure:
  • After drawing the medication with a filtered needle, remove it and replace it with an injection needle.
  • Reference example: A specified needle may be labeled as a "23 gauge, 1 inch long."
  • Needle Selection Factors:
  • Needle choice is based on the type of injection (e.g., intramuscular, subcutaneous) and patient factors (e.g., body type, injection site).

IV Injections

• Recent Changes in Technique:
  • Previously, cleaning the skin was done in a circular motion from the center outwards.
  • Current evidence-based practices recommend a thorough scrub for 30 seconds in a more repetitive manner.
• IV Tubing Ports:
  • Additional ports exist on IV tubing besides the connection to the patient's arm.
  • A syringe is sometimes attached to these ports for administering medication IV.
• Cleaning Protocols:
  • Always scrub the port before attaching a syringe.
  • After using a port, it must be capped (colors may vary, e.g., orange, green) depending on the healthcare facility.
• Purpose:
  • Infection control is paramount in these procedures to prevent contamination and infection transmission.