ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

A medication stored in an ampoule is typically used for which of the following?

1. A single dose of liquid medication

2. Bulk drug supply

3. Topical ointment

4. Multidose vial

The correct answer is: A single dose of liquid medication

Medications stored in an ampoule are designed to provide a single, pre-measured dose of liquid medication. The ampoule itself is a sealed, airtight container that protects the contents from contamination and degradation. Once an ampoule is opened, its contents cannot be resealed or stored for future use. This design reduces the risk of dosage errors and ensures that patients receive the exact amount needed for their treatment. In contrast, options involving bulk drug supply, topical ointments, and multidose vials do not align with the primary purpose of an ampoule. Bulk drug supplies are typically stored in larger containers designed for multiple uses and doses, while topical ointments are not usually dispensed in ampoules but rather in tubes or jars. Multidose vials are designed to allow multiple withdrawals of medication while maintaining sterility, thus facilitating repeated dosages over time. These characteristics distinguish ampoules from these other forms of medication storage and administration.