Jan Louis P.

Lapay
Group G
Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing
Evaluator: Neil Martin Score:

ADMINISTERING TOPICAL MEDICATIONS (DERMATOLOGIC PREPARATIONS)

Definition
Administration of topical drugs such as lotions, patches, pastes, and ointments involve applying drugs local to the skin, mucous membranes, ortissues.

Purpose
 Maintain skin hydration.
 Protect skin surfaces.
 Reduce local skin irritation.
 Create local anesthesia.
 Treat infections or medical conditions
Indication
Indicated for clients who require medications to create systemic and/or local effects when absorbed through the skin.

Contraindication
 Hypersensitivity to the specific substance

Special considerations:
 For pediatric patients, a dry dressing to cover the affected area is usually necessary when applying topical agents to young children to prevent them from rubbing the medication off.
 Carefully apply topical agents and use tape sparingly when caring for an elderly patient as their skin can be thin and fragile. Tape can cause bruising of the skin.

Equipment needed:
1. Gloves (clean and sterile if required)
2. 2” x 2” gauze pads for cleaning
3. Medication container/application tube
4. Gauze to cover area
5. Solution to wash area, if indicated
6. Medication
7. Tongue blades/cotton applicator

PROCEDURES RATIONALE 5 4 3 2 1
PREPARATION To have an idea and a prior knowledge about the
1. Perform drug study. Find out why the drug is drug to be administered as well as ensure that the drug
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 Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing
prescribed to the patient, its drug classification, is indicated for the patient’s health condition.
mechanism of action, usual dosage range and This will prevent medication errors while
frequency of administration, side effects, ensuring the patient’s safety.T his will also prevent
contraindications, drug-drug interactions, and nursing over dosage of drug and will allow evaluation of the
considerations in giving the drug. intended outcomes of the medication.
2. Check the MAR (Medication Administration Record) for Checking the MAR is the first check of the label.Medications like
drug name, dosage, frequency, route of administration, antibiotics and narcotics have a specifiedtime frame of expiration and need to
and expiration date, if appropriate. be recorded.
3. Check each medication card against the physician’s Comparing the medication card against the physician’sorder helps to
order according To the institution’s policy. If there are identify errors that may have occurredwhen records were transcribed.
inconsistencies, clarify them at once.
PERFORMANCE
1. Secure all the necessary equipment and obtain Organization facilitates error-free administration andsaves time.
appropriate medication. Prepare the medication in the Preparing drugs one patient at a timeprevents errors in drug
medication section, for one patient at a time. administration and avoidsinterchanging of medications to different patients.

2. Identify the client by letting the conscious client say his Identifying the patient ensures the right patient receivesthe medications and
full name and verify by looking at the client’s helps prevent errors.
wristband, which has his name and hospital ID number
written on it.
3. Bring the medication to the client’s bedside. Explain Explaining the procedure eases client anxiety.
the procedure to the patient. Assist the client to a
comfortable position, either sitting or lying down.
Provide privacy.
4. Perform hand washing and observe appropriate Hand hygiene prevents the spread of microorganisms.Gloves protect the
infection control procedures. nurse from potential contact withcontaminants and body fluids.

5. Inspect skin or mucous membrane areas for lesions, Assessment provides baseline to determine change incondition of skin
rashes, erythema and breakdown. Note the presence of after therapy. Application of certaintopical agents can lessen or aggravate
excessive body hair. these symptoms

6. Expose the area to be treated then apply the

medication and dressing as ordered:

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 Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing
● Place a small amount of cream on the tongue Softening a topical agent makes it easy to spread onskin.
blade and spread it evenly on the skin.

● Apply sterile gloves if indicated. Pour some lotion Ensures even distribution of medication and preventsirritation of hair
on the gauze and pat it evenly on the skin, follicles
following the direction of hair growth.

● If a liniment is used, rub it into the skin using Long and smooth strokes promote relaxation. Ensures
long, smooth strokes. Repeat the application until even distribution and sufficient dosage of medication.
the area is covered.

● Apply a sterile dressing as necessary. To prevent introduction of microorganisms.

7. Provide a clean gown or pajamas after the application if To promote client comfort.
the medication will come in contact with the clothing.
8. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene. Dispose all To prevent transmission of microorganisms.
supplies appropriately.
9. Assess the client’s response right after the To monitor for any adverse effects and evaluate client’sresponse to the drug
administration of the drug. Return to the client within regimen.
the appropriate time frame and report significant
deviations from normal to the physician.

10. Chart the medication administered. Timely documentation ensures patient safety.

Learner’s Reflection: (What did you learn most of the activity? What is Instructor’s Comments:
its impact to you?)
Topical administration of medication is commonly done even outside hospital premises because of
Over the counter topical drugs. With this checklist, I can now effectively assist/perform/teach my friends
and family on the administration of the drug

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