Administering Nasal Medication

Administering Nasal Medication

Equipment
■ Medication drops, spray, or aerosol.
■ Tissues.

Assessment
■ Check for nasal obstruction and congestion.
■ Assess nasal discharge for color, consistency, and odor. Note the color of nasal drainage.
■ Assess nasal mucous membranes for redness, color, moisture, excoriation, or trauma. Post-Procedure Reassessment
■ Assess for symptom relief 15 to 20 minutes after administration.

Key Points
■ Determine head position: Consider the indication for the medication and the patient’s ability to assume the position.
■ Explain to the patient that the medication may cause some burning, tingling, or unusual taste.
■ Position the patient with the head down and forward (for sprays) or supine with the head back (for drops).
■ Place the tip of the sprayer into the nostril, pointing the tip toward the outside of the nose (toward the outside corner of the right eye).
■ Be Safe! Never point the tip toward the middle of the nose (the septum) or straight up (toward the sinus).
■ Have the patient blow his nose, occlude one nostril, and exhale.
■ Squirt the spray into the nose while the patient inhales through his other nostril. Repeat for the other nostril.

Documentation
■ Record:
■ Premedication assessment.
■ Type and amount of solution administered, route.
■ Any patient discomfort during the procedure.
■ Patient’s report of response to the medication, (e.g., nasal discharge, obstruction, bleeding, or other complication).

Instilling nose spray