Download Topical Drugs - NAC / CNA Certification Spokane WA

Topical Drugs
Chapter 11
Topical Medications
• Topical Medications:
– Drugs applied to the skin
• Absorption is affected by:
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Strength of drug
How long drug is in contact to the skin
Size of the area of application
Skin thickness
Hydration
Amount of skin breakdown or irritation
Topical Medications (continued)
• Drugs are applied topically to:
– Clean and debride a wound
– Hydrate the skin
– Reduce inflammation
– Relieve itching or rash
– Provide a protective barrier
– Reduce thickening of the skin
Dose Forms
• Cream:
– Semi-solid emulsion containing a drug
• Non greasy & easily removed with water
• Lotion:
– Watery preparation containing suspended particles
• Shake prior to application
• Pat lotion onto skin….do not rub
– Used to soothe & protect skin, relieve itching and cleanse the skin
• Ointment:
– Semi-solid preparation containing a drug in an oily base
• Not easily removed with water
• Powder:
– Finely ground drug in talc base
– Used to absorb moisture, cool and protest the skin
Applying Topical Medications
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Hand hygiene
Follow standard precautions
Wear gloves
Provide privacy
Position to expose application site
Clean & dry skin
Observe skin
Apply dose form to clean dry skin
– Use a sterile tongue blade or cotton-tipped applicator to
remove dose from container
• Cover site with gauze or other covering AS DIRECTED
Observations to Report
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Color of skin
Location & description of rashes
Dry skin
Bruises or open skin areas
Pale or reddened areas, particularly over boney parts
Blisters
Drainage or bleeding from wounds or body openings
Skin temperature
Complaints of pain or discomfort
Applying Nitroglycerin
• Used to prevent angina (chest pain)
• Relaxes the heart blood vessels and increase
the blood & oxygen supply to the heart
• DOSAGE MUST BE ACCURATE
Applying Nitroglycerin
• Apply to clean dry skin that has little hair
– Do not shave an area
– Do not apply to irritated, scarred, open, broken, or calloused skin
areas
• Wear gloves
• Check for old applications
– Check MAR
– Ask patient
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Remove old application
Rotate application site
Do not rub or massage the ointment into the skin
Document date, time, location and sign your name/title to the tape
securing the new application
Sites for Applying Nitroglycerin
Transdermal Drug Delivery
• Transdermal Patches:
– Provides continuous,
gradual absorption of a
drug through the skin
and into the blood
stream
– Provides controlled
release of a drug over
several hours or days
• Insert Photo
Application of a Transdermal Patch
• Follow rules learned for
“Applying Nitroglycerin
Ointment”
– Do not cover the patch
with a dressing unless
directed
• Insert photo