What is the appropriate nursing action if a vial of mannitol contains crystals?

The appropriate nursing action when a vial of mannitol contains crystals is to place the vial in warm water. Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that can crystallize when it is exposed to low temperatures. Gently warming the vial helps to dissolve the crystals, ensuring that the medication is safe and effective for administration. This method allows for the restoration of the solution to a usable form without compromising the integrity of the medication.

Shaking the vial vigorously is not advisable, as it could lead to foaming or further destabilization of the solution. Discarding the vial would not be necessary if the crystals can be dissolved by warming. Simply returning the vial to the pharmacy without any action taken does not resolve the potential issue with crystallization and may delay patient care. Thus, warming the vial in water is the best approach to safely prepare mannitol for administration.