Place patient in a side lying position with the affected ear facing up
Don non-sterile gloves
Straighten the ear canal by pulling the pinna down and back for children or upward and outward for adults (Pull ear up and back for adults, down and back for children)
The drops are instilled into the ear canal by holding the dropper at least ½ inch above the ear canal
Instruct patient to maintain the position for 2-3 minutes
Place a cotton ball n the outermost part of the canal
Apply to other ear 5 min. later
Wash hand
Record the drug, number of drops, time administered, and medication on MAR
Administering Nose Drops
Medical Equipments:
Medication Administration Record (MAR)
Medication with Dropper
Emesis Basin (optional)
Non-sterile Gloves
Tissue
Nursing Actions:
Check the allergies that patient may have
Determine the written order on MAR
Wash hands
Check patient’s identification armband
Explain the procedures to the patient and provide privacy
Ask patient to blow nose unless contraindicated
Inform the patient that he/she may feel a burning sensation to the mucosa or a choking sensation, or both, as the drop trickles back into the throat
Place patient in a supine position and hyperextend the neck and position the head to the site that facilitates the drop reaching the expected site
Instruct the patient to breathe through mouth
Squeeze medications into the dropper
Insert the nasal drops about 3/8 inch into nostril and keep the tip of the dropper away from the sides of the nares.
Instill the medication as prescribed and observe for signs and discomforts
Ask the patient to maintain supine position for 5 minutes
Discard any unused medication remaining in the bottle
Position the patient to a comfortable position and proved the patient with the emesis basin and tissue to expectorate any medication and flows in to the oropharynx and mouth
Remove gloves and wash hands
Record the medication given, doses, and time on MAR
Observe the patient for side effects for 30 minutes after administration
Nasal Sprays:
Have patient sit up
Insert tip of container into nostril
Have patient take a deep breath as you squirt
No need to tilt head back
Lung Sprays:
Have patient stand up
- this lowers the diaphragm and allows for better lung expansion
Shake the inhaler well
- shake for 15-30 sec.
Let patient place the spacer device on the inhaler
Instruct patient to breathe out to the end of a normal breath
Ask patient to tilt chin up
- do not hyper-extend!
Let patient place spacer tube in mouth
- instruct patient to seal lips around the tube
Ask patient to activate inhaler
- patient must inhale slowly and deeply over 5 seconds
- be sure patient doesn't use the nos
- patient must hold breath for 10 seconds - before exhaling
Wait for 2-5 minutes before next puff
Give water to rinse mouth after all doses are taken
Topical Meds:
Open wound - sterile technique
- Sterile cotton swabs or tongue depressor
Nitro paste:
- Use a unit dose patch
- Shiny area up, remove sealed portion
Prepare own nitro paste:
- Tear off piece of nitro paper
- Light print showing thru is the side you want up
- Start at beginning of line, squeeze slowly so med. is no bigger or smaller than top of tube
- Fold paper in half (med over all paper)
- Open and place on patient
- Tape in place-move around patient in clockwise manner
- If ordered chest only, the alternate side to side
- Look for previous patch before applying your patch
- To remove:
Wet one end of paper towel
Take off, wipe, and dry area
Watch for reactions to this medication - headache and lightheadedness
Vaginal Suppository Administration:
Equipments:
Medication Administration Record (MAR)
Prescribed vaginal suppository
Disposable applicator
Non-sterile gloves
Water soluble lubricant
Tissue
Nursing Actions:
Identify any allergies or medical condition that contraindicate the use of drug
Obtain necessary equipment
Check the written order on MAR
Wash hands
Follow the five rights of medication administration
Instruct patient to void
Place patient in a dorsal recumbent position with knees flexed and hips rotated laterally on in a Sims’ position if the patient cannot maintain the dorsal recumbent position
Insert suppository into vaginal canal
Patient remains lying for 10-15 min after insertion to ensure absorption of medication