Topical and Inhalant Medications Chapter 33: Topical and Inhalant Medications
Topical Route Cutaneous applications Inunction application Ointment Oil Lotion Cream Transdermal applications Skin patches Drug paste
Topical Route (cont’d) Cutaneous applications Ophthalmic applications Otic applications Nasal applications Sublingual and buccal applications Vaginal applications Rectal applications
Transdermal Route Drug paste Skin patches Each time a new patch is applied, it should be placed in a slightly different location Extremely hairy skin areas should be clipped before application to aid adhesion A patch should always be dated and initialed so that others can determine when it was applied The older patch must always be removed when the new patch is applied
Eye and Ear Medications Eyes Application onto one or both eyes as ordered Different forms of medication Ears Different techniques of administration differ for adults and children
Ear Medication
Eye Medication
Nasal Decongestants Rebound effect Occurs with overuse of nasal decongestants
Sublingual and Buccal Administration Placed under the tongue and left to dissolve slowly Buccal Placed against the mucous membranes of the inner check
Vaginal Applications Used to treat localized infections Common causes and symptoms of vaginal infections
Rectal Administration Drugs administered rectally are usually in the form of suppositories Creams and ointments also may be prescribed
Inhalant Route The inhalant route administers drugs to the lower airways This method is effective because the lungs provide an extensive area from which the circulatory system can quickly absorb the drug
Inhalant Route (cont’d) Definition of inhalers Dry powder inhaler Metered-dose inhaler Nebulizer Definition of a spacer and its advantage
Question Is the following statement true or false? Drug residue accumulates only in the mouthpiece of faulty inhalers.
Answer False. Drug residue may accumulate in the mouthpiece of all inhalers, so the client should rinse the mouthpiece in warm water after use.
Question Is the following statement true or false? The conjunctiva lines the inner eyelids and the anterior surface of the sclera.
Answer True. The mucous membrane of the eyes, called the conjunctiva, lines the inner eyelids and the anterior surface of the sclera.
Question Is the following statement true or false? In a sublingual application, medication is introduced into the bloodstream by dissolving or mixing medication in water and ingesting thereafter.
Answer False. In a sublingual application, the drug is placed under the tongue and is left to dissolve slowly and become absorbed by the rich blood supply in the area.
Question Is the following statement true or false? When instilling ear medication in a young child, the nurse pulls the ear up and back.
Answer False. When instilling ear medication in a young child, the nurse pulls the ear down and back. For an adult, the nurse pulls the ear up and back.