What must be inspected before using glass vials for medication preparation?

When using glass vials for medication preparation, it is essential to inspect them for the presence of glass particles. Glass vials can sometimes break or become damaged, which may lead to small particles of glass contaminating the medication. If a glass vial has been compromised, any medication drawn from it could potentially cause harm to a patient if those particles are injected or consumed. Therefore, ensuring the vial is free of glass debris is a critical safety measure to prevent serious health risks.

While the other factors, such as the color of the solution, expiration date, and volume of the solution, are important considerations in medication preparation, they do not carry the same immediate risk associated with the presence of glass particles. The presence of glass debris poses a direct threat to the patient’s safety that must be prioritized before any other inspections are conducted.