Which property of a solution is most important for patient safety when preparing injections?

Osmolarity is a critical property of a solution when preparing injections because it reflects the total concentration of solute particles in the solution, which directly influences the osmotic pressure. For patient safety, it is vital to ensure that the osmolarity of a parenteral solution is compatible with that of the body’s fluids. An improper osmolarity can lead to serious complications such as hemolysis, cell lysis, or other adverse reactions when the solution is introduced into the bloodstream.

Maintaining an appropriate osmolarity is essential to prevent complications. For example, a hypotonic solution can cause cells to swell and burst, while a hypertonic solution can lead to cellular dehydration. Thus, ensuring that the osmolarity of prepared injections closely matches that of blood plasma (typically around 285-300 mOsm/L) is fundamental to minimize risks and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Other properties such as viscosity, pH, and concentration also play roles in the formulation and delivery of injections, but they do not hold the same level of immediate impact on patient safety in the context of osmotic balance within the body. For instance, while pH levels affect drug stability and solubility, having an incorrect osmolarity poses a more immediate