What does coring refer to in the context of medication vials?

Coring is a term used in pharmacy to describe a specific process that occurs when a needle punctures a rubber stopple and fragments of the rubber are left in the solution. This happens due to the needle's action, which can shear off pieces of the rubber as it enters. Consequently, these tiny rubber particles can potentially contaminate the medication, posing a risk to patient safety if they are inadvertently administered.

Choosing the option regarding the accidental introduction of rubber particles accurately reflects this definition of coring. The other options do not align with this definition; for instance, introducing bubbles refers to a different issue in injection practices, measuring viscosity pertains to physical properties of substances, and correct needle insertion practices focus on techniques rather than the specific problem of coring. Understanding coring is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficacy of medication preparations, making awareness of this concept essential for pharmacy practice.