What is a vial in the context of medication administration?

In the context of medication administration, a vial refers to a pre-filled glass bottle with a rubber stopper that holds medications, including insulin. Vials are commonly used to store liquid medications in a secure manner that prevents contamination. The glass material protects the contents from environmental factors and helps maintain the stability of the medication.

The presence of a rubber stopper allows for easy access to the medication while maintaining sterility; a syringe can be used to draw the medication from the vial without exposing it to air or external contaminants. This design is critical for the safe and effective administration of injectable medications. The other options are not suited for this purpose: sealed plastic containers may not provide the necessary protection, syringes are tools rather than storage, and pill bottles are intended for solid medications, not liquids.