Obtaining Medications
ORNAC standards advise that sole use vials should be used as much as possible. Avoiding multiuse vials helps to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
(ORNAC, 2021)
Administering Medications in the Sterile Field
Once the scrub nurse has verified the ordered medication verbally and visually, they may accept it onto the sterile field.
- The circulating nurse must transfer the device in a sterile manner.
- Sterile transfer devices should be used. These devices help to minimize splashing and spilling.
📁 Documentation Highlight
Any medication added onto the sterile field must be labelled immediately. The scrub nurse must include the following on the medication label:
- Medication name
- Strength
- Dose
🧩 Practice Activity: Labeling Medications
Choose one or multiple responses to answer the question. Select “Check” when you feel confident in your answer.
The Right Container for the Right Medication
To prevent accidental injection, ORNAC standards, as well as the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada, have clear directions on how medications should be contained.
- Topical medications should never be placed in a syringe.
- Discard any unlabeled syringes or containers that are on the sterile field.
- Ensure the word TOPICAL is on any container that contains a topical mediation or solution.
ISMPCSB2018-i9-Chlorhexidine.pdf (ismp-canada.org) (ISMP Canada, 2018)
