What is the primary reason for pointing the needle away and tapping on the syringe after filling it?

Pointing the needle away and tapping on the syringe primarily serves the purpose of removing air bubbles that may be trapped in the liquid. When air bubbles are present in the syringe, they can affect the dosage delivered, potentially leading to inaccurate administration of medication. Tapping gently on the syringe helps to dislodge these bubbles and allows them to rise to the top, making it easier to expel them by pushing the plunger slightly. This is a vital step in ensuring that the correct volume of liquid is administered, especially in medical and veterinary contexts where precision is crucial for effective treatment.

Other options touch on related practices but do not directly address the immediate concern of air removal. Maintaining sterility, preventing spillage, and checking dosage accuracy are important as well, but they do not specifically explain the crucial action of tapping a filled syringe to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.