Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Safety and Infection ControlMedium
A medical assistant is preparing to administer an injection. After drawing up the medication, they notice a small air bubble in the syringe. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?
- AInject the air bubble into the medication vial and redraw the dose.
- BDiscard the syringe and prepare a new one.
- CTap the syringe to move the air bubble to the hub and expel it.
- DAdminister the injection with the air bubble, as it is harmless.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Tap the syringe to move the air bubble to the hub and expel it.
Small air bubbles in a syringe should be expelled before injection to ensure accurate dosing and prevent potential complications, especially with intravenous or intramuscular injections. Tapping the syringe and expelling the air is the correct and standard procedure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Injecting air into the vial can contaminate the medication or alter its concentration.
- B. Discarding is unnecessary for a small air bubble; it's wasteful.
- D. Air bubbles can affect dose accuracy and, in some cases, cause complications.
Air Bubble Removal from Syringe
The technique used to eliminate air bubbles from a syringe before administering an injection.
- Ensures accurate medication dosing.
- Prevents potential complications.
- Involves tapping and expelling air.
Memory trick: Tap, Bubble Up, Push Out!