Administer nasal drops

Requirements

Tray

1. Prepared medication
2. Pen light
3. Receiver
4. Toilet paper
5. Clean dropper
6. Facial towels

At the side

1. Screen
2. Small pillow

Procedure

1. Refer to general rules on nursing procedures and medicine administration.
2. Inspect the condition of the nose and sinuses using a penlight and palpate sinuses for tenderness.
3. Wash hands and put on gloves.
4. Request the patient to clear or blow their nose gently unless contraindicated.
5. Position the patient in supine and position the head properly for access to the posterior pharynx; tilt the patient’s head backward.
6. Support the patient's head with the non-dominant hand and instruct the patient to breathe through the mouth.
7. Hold the dropper half to 1 cm above the nose and instill the prescribed number of drops towards the midline of the ethmoid bone.
8. Have the patient remain in a supine position for 5 minutes and offer a facial towel to blot the nose but do not blow.
9. Assist the patient to a comfortable position after the medication is absorbed.
10. Assess the patient's response, replace equipment, and wash hands.
11. Document and record the administered medication.