APPLYING TOPICAL MEDICATION

DEFINATION:

It is the application of medication locally to the skin or mucous membranes in the form of lotion,
ointments or liniments.

PURPOSE:

1. To protect, smoothen or soften surface areas.

2. To warm an affected area and also for muscle relaxation.
3. To relieve itching.
4. To check the growth of microorganisms.

ARTICLES:

1. Clean gloves
2. Cotton balls or gauze pieces
3. Medicine (ointment, lotion, or liniment) in appropriate container.
4. Adhesive-tap and dressing pad
5. Kidney tray

PROCEDURE:

1. Identify the patient and explain the procedure.

2. Wash hands and don gloves on dominant hand.
3. Expose only the area where lotion /liniment are to be applied.
4. Clean the area with soap and water and pat dry it if required.
5. Apply skin preparation:
a. Powders-make that the skin surface is dry and sprinkle evenly over the area till a fine
thin layer covers the skin. Cover the area with dressing if required.
b. Lotions –shake the container and put a small amount of lotion on a gauze dressing
pad and apply it evenly in the direction of hair growth.
c. Creams, ointments and paste- take a small quantity of medication in gloved hand.
Smear it evenly over skin using long stokes in the direction of growth. Apply dressing
if required.
d. Aerosol spray-shake the container well to mix contents. Hold the container at 15-30
cm away from the area and spray. Ensure that spray does not enter into eye or nose.
 e. Transdermal patches- select clean dry area which is free of air. Take the patch
holding it without touching the adhesive edges and apply it firmly using palm of hand
and press it for 10 seconds. Remove the patch at the appropriate time folding it with
the medicated side in side.
6. Observe the area carefully for changes in color, swelling, Appearance of a rash or other
observable signs.

References:

1. Jacob Annamma, Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, Edition 2nd,
Jaypee Brothers Publication.
2. Kaur Maninder, Kaur Lakhvinder, Fundamentals Of Nursing, Edition-2014, 2015, S.Vikas
and CO. (Publishing House).
3. Thresyamma CP, Fundamentals of Nursing Procedure Manual for General Nursing and
Midwifery Course, Edition First, Jaypee Brother Publication.
4. Nancy Sr., Principles and Practice of Nursing, Vol-1, N.R.Brothers publication.
 TOPICAL MEDICATION CHECKLIST
S.NO STEPS DONE PARTIAL NOT
DONE DONE
1. Identified the patient and explain the procedure.
2. Washed hands and don gloves on dominant hand.
3. Exposed only the area where lotion /liniment are to be applied.
4. Cleaned the area with soap and water and pat dry it if required.
5. Applied skin preparation:
f. Powders- maker that the skin surface is dry and sprinkle
evenly over the area till a fine thin layer covers the skin.
Cover the area with dressing if required.
g. Lotions –shake the container and put a small amount of
lotion on a gauze dressing pad and apply it evenly in the
direction of hair growth.
h. Creams, ointments and paste- take a small quantity of
medication in gloved hand. Smear it evenly over skin
using long stokes in the direction of growth. Apply
dressing if required.
i. Aerosol spray-shake the container well to mix contents.
Hold the container at 15-30 cm away from the area and
spray. Ensure that spray does not enter into eye or nose.
j. Transdermal patches- select clean dry area which is free
of air. Take the patch holding it without touching the
adhesive edges and apply it firmly using palm of hand
and press it for 10 seconds. Remove the patch at the
appropriate time folding it with the medicated side in
side.
6. Observed the area carefully for changes in color, swelling,
Appearance of a rash or other observable signs