Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 0%

Which of the following products should remain stable until the manufacturer's printed expiration date?

Rationale

An unreconstituted bottle of azithromycin stored at room temperature should remain stable until the manufacturer's printed expiration date.

Unreconstituted azithromycin in its original, sealed bottle is stable at room temperature and can maintain its potency until the expiration date indicated by the manufacturer, provided it is stored properly. This stability ensures its efficacy for treating bacterial infections when needed.

A (A vial of Humalog stored in the freezer) YOUR ANSWER

Insulin, including Humalog, should never be frozen as freezing can cause irreversible damage to the insulin molecules, leading to loss of potency. Storing Humalog in the freezer could result in an ineffective product, making it unsuitable for use beyond its expiration date.

B (A vial of Varivax stored under refrigeration) YOUR ANSWER

While Varivax (the varicella vaccine) requires refrigeration, it is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If it is not stored consistently at the recommended temperature, its efficacy may be compromised, and it may not remain stable until the expiration date printed by the manufacturer.

C (An unopened bottle of doxazosin stored in a patient's bathroom) YOUR ANSWER

Storing doxazosin, or any medication, in a bathroom is not advisable due to high humidity levels and temperature variations. These conditions can degrade the medication more quickly than expected, potentially leading to instability before the expiration date.

Conclusion

The stability of medications is highly dependent on their storage conditions. An unreconstituted bottle of azithromycin stored at room temperature is designed to remain effective until its printed expiration date, making it the correct choice. In contrast, improper storage conditions for Humalog, Varivax, and doxazosin can lead to reduced efficacy, highlighting the importance of following storage guidelines to ensure medication safety and effectiveness.

Related Questions

View all