TOPICAL MEDICATIONS

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TOPICAL MEDICATIONS
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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

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Types of Topical Medications
PowdersSpraysCreamsOintmentsLotionsPast
es
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Soften, Slough off Dry Skin
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Reduce/Kill Bacteria

• Alcohol
• Betadine
• Antibiotic ointment

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Fungal/Yeast Infections

• Desenex

• Miconazole

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InflammationItching

• Hydrocortisone

• Calamine Lotion

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Relieve Pain

• Solarcaine
• Biofreeze

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Skin Patches, Transdermal Nitro, Nicotene,
Duragesic

• Absorbed through skin
• Only applied or removed by nurse
• Report if coming off
• Monitor skin condition for irritation

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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

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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?

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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

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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)

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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

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Medicated Shampoo

• Special shampoo may be ordered
• By physician for treatment of
• Scalp problems
• Psoriasis
• Dandruff
• Lice

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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

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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?

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Medicated Baths

• Used for treatment of skin conditions
• Itching
• Rashes
• Fever

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Photos used with express consent of Walgreens
Inc
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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