Download TOPICAL MEDICATIONS

TOPICAL MEDICATIONS
Nursing Assistant Role in
use of TOPICAL MEDICATION
 Must
have training and be
competent
 Must be delegated by RN
 RN must provide supervision
 Skin must be unbroken/intact
 Follow instructions for use
Types of Topical
Medications
*Powders
*Sprays
*Creams
*Ointments
*Lotions
*Pastes
Soften, Slough off Dry Skin
Reduce/Kill Bacteria
•
•
•
Alcohol
Betadine
Antibiotic
ointment
Fungal/Yeast Infections
 Desenex
 Miconazole
Inflammation
Itching
Calamine Lotion
Hydrocortisone
Relieve Pain
Solarcaine
Biofreeze
Skin Patches, Transdermal
Nitro, Nicotene, Duragesic




Absorbed through
skin
Only applied or
removed by nurse
Report if coming
off
Monitor skin
condition for
irritation
5 RIGHTS OF
MEDICATION USE
RIGHT PATIENT- Identify patient
 RIGHT DRUG- Read label, follow RN

instructions

RIGHT AMOUNT- follow RN
instructions
RIGHT TIME- as instructed
 RIGHT LOCATION- apply thin layer

What to Observe & Report
Is skin improved, same, or worse?
 Is there any redness or irritation?
 Is the skin intact or open?
 Is there itching or pain?
 Does patient have any complaint or
report?

General Application Guidelines







Follow nurses instructions, and POC
Use only medications in labeled
containers
Never share ointments with other
patients
Follow rules of medical asepsis, use
gloves, avoid cross contamination
Apply only to clean/dry skin only
Apply in direction of hair growth
Report observations
Application of Barrier Cream to
Perineal Area
Obtain barrier cream from nurse
 Complete perineal care as directed
 Only touch container with clean gloves
 Place ointment on a towel barrier with
opened cap placed top down
 Wear clean gloves when applying
 Apply a thin layer, moving clean to dirty
 Apply to clean area before dirty area
(perineum before buttocks)

Application of Powders
Avoid breathing in of powder (you
and patient)
 Follow rules of asepsis
 Make sure area is clean and dry
before application
 Application to wet skin will cause
clumping and possible irritation

Medicated Shampoo
Special shampoo may be ordered
By physician for treatment of
Scalp problems
•Psoriasis
•Dandruff
•Lice
Delegation Guidelines
Instructions must be provided and
followed
 Shampoo container must be labeled
with clients name
 Stored in locked cabinet or obtain
directly from nurse
 Wear gloves
 Protect for getting into eyes

Observing & Reporting
Is the shampoo having desired
effect?
 What does the skin look like?
 Is there any irritation?
 Does application cause any
discomfort or complaint?
 Is the container close to empty?

Medicated Baths
 Used
for treatment of skin
conditions
 Itching
 Rashes
 Fever
Photo’s used with express consent of Walgreen’s Inc
Delegation Guidelines
Must obtain supplies from RN and
have instruction prior to use
 Know how long person is to be in
the tub, how much to use, what is
desired effect
 Use aseptic techniques (gloves,
precautions, proper cleaning of tub)
 Report observations to RN
