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

InflammationItching

HydrocortisoneCalamine Lotion

Relieve Pain

SolarcaineBiofreeze

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 orderedBy 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