Administering Nose Drops

Medical Equipments:

• Medication Administration Record (MAR)
• Medication with Dropper
• Emesis Basin (optional)
• Non-sterile Gloves
• Tissue

Nursing Actions:

1. Check the allergies that patient may have
2. Determine the written order on MAR
3. Wash hands
4. Check patient’s identification armband
5. Explain the procedures to the patient and provide privacy
6. Ask patient to blow nose unless contraindicated
7. Inform the patient that he/she may feel a burning sensation to the mucosa or a choking sensation, or both, as the drop trickles back into the throat
8. Place patient in a supine position and hyperextend the neck and position the head to the site that facilitates the drop reaching the expected site
9. Instruct the patient to breathe through mouth
10. Squeeze medications into the dropper
11. Insert the nasal drops about 3/8 inch into nostril and keep the tip of the dropper away from the sides of the nares.
12. Instill the medication as prescribed and observe for signs and discomforts
13. Ask the patient to maintain supine position for 5 minutes
14. Discard any unused medication remaining in the bottle
15. Position the patient to a comfortable position and proved the patient with the emesis basin and tissue to expectorate any medication and flows in to the oropharynx and mouth
16. Remove gloves and wash hands
17. Record the medication given, doses, and time on MAR
18. Observe the patient for side effects for 30 minutes after administration