The nurse is teaching a patient how to self-administer an erythropoiesis-stimulating drug. Which instruction should the nurse include?

Question

1. "Shake the vial to mix the contents before use."
2. "Draw up what is needed and discard the rest of the vial."
3. "Place your stock of medication in your refrigerator."
4. "Hold the vial in your hand a few minutes before drawing up the medication."
5. "Give the medication deeply into a muscle."

Answer 1

2,3,4
Rationale 1: The vial should not be shaken as this may deactivate the medication.
Rationale 2: Vials are single use, and any medication remaining should be discarded.
Rationale 3: Medication should be kept in the refrigerator.
Rationale 4: The vial should be warmed before use.
Rationale 5: The medication should be injected into the subcutaneous tissue.

Global Rationale: Vials are single use, and any medication remaining should be discarded. Medication should be kept in the refrigerator. The vial should be warmed before use. The vial should not be shaken as this may deactivate the medication. The medication should be injected into the subcutaneous tissue.