ARRT Patient Care Practice Exam

What is the best description of a vial in medical terminology?

1. A small container for a single dose of medication

2. A small container holding several doses of medication

3. A type of intravenous needle

4. A device used for administering enemas

The correct answer is: A small container holding several doses of medication

The most suitable description of a vial in medical terminology is that it is a small container holding several doses of medication. Vials are typically made of glass or plastic and are used to store liquids, powders, or other forms of medications that can be safely sealed. They often come with a rubber stopper to allow for the drawing of medication with a syringe while preventing contamination. This design is particularly useful for medications that can be reused until the vial is empty or the contents no longer meet safety standards. The relevance of this description highlights that vials play an essential role in both sterility and dosage accuracy, especially in clinical settings where medications need to be readily accessible and safely stored. The other descriptions do not accurately capture the primary use of vials. A vial is not just for a single dose, nor is it a type of intravenous needle or an enema administration device, making the chosen definition stand out as the most comprehensive and appropriate in medical contexts.