Administering Vaginal Medications

Purpose
• To treat or prevent infection
• To remove an offensive or irritating discharge
• To reduce inflammation
• To relieve vaginal discomfort

Equipment
• Prescribed vaginal suppository
• Client’s applicator (should be kept in client’s room)
• Clean gloves

1. Check medication order.
2. Wash hands.
3. Prepare equipment and supplies.
4. Identify client.
5. Inspect client’s external genitalia and vaginal canal.
6. Assess client’s ability to manipulate applicator and position herself.
7. Explain procedure to client.
8. Arrange supplies at client’s bedside.
9. Provide privacy.
10. Assist client to dorsal recumbent position.
11. Keep client’s abdomen and lower extremities draped.
12. Apply disposable gloves.
13. Provide adequate lighting.
14. Insert suppository:
A. Take suppository from wrapper and lubricate smooth or rounded end.
B. Lubricate gloved finger of dominant hand. Offer client perineal pad.

15. Apply cream or foam:
A. Fill applicator as directed.
B. Retract client’s labial folds with nondomi-nant gloved hand.
C. With dominant gloved hand, insert applicator 5 to 7.5 cm; push plunger.
D. Withdraw applicator and place it on paper towel. Wipe away lubricant from client’s ori-fice and labia.
E. Wash applicator and store for future use.

16. Remove and discard gloves.
17. Wash hands.
18. Instruct client to remain flat on her back for at least 10 minutes.
20. Inspect condition of client’s vaginal canal and external genitalia between applications.

21. Record medication administration.
C. Retract client’s labial folds with nondomi-nant gloved hand. D. Insert rounded end of suppository 7.5 to 10 cm along posterior wall of vaginal canal.
E. Withdraw finger and wipe away lubricant from client’s orifice and labia.