What part of a syringe should never be touched to maintain sterility?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of maintaining sterility in the preparation and administration of sterile medications. The tip of the syringe is particularly critical because it is the part that comes into direct contact with the sterile solution or medication and is inserted into the vial or patient. If this area is touched, it can introduce contaminants that compromise sterility.

Similarly, the plunger should also be handled with care because it is used to draw and expel the medication, and if it comes into contact with non-sterile surfaces, it can also lead to contamination. Thus, both the tip and the plunger are essential to keep sterile to prevent any risk of infection.

Maintaining the integrity of these components is vital in sterile compounding practices, as any breach in sterility can result in serious complications for the patient, including infections or contamination of the medication.