Deck 16: Administering Topical Medications

Question 1

The nurse delivers the smallest size droplet for inhalation of medication. Which term should the nurse use to document the route of this medication?

A) Aerosol
B) Dry powder inhaler
C) Nebulizer
D) Humidification

Answer 1

A
Explanation:1. An aerosol is a suspension of minute liquid droplets or fine solid particles suspended in a gas.
2. A dry powder inhaler is a device to administer a solid drug to the respiratory tract.
3. A nebulizer is a small machine that vaporizes a liquid medication into a fine mist that is inhaled using a face mask or handheld device.
4. Humidification uses water or steam to deliver medication.

Question 2

Place the steps performed during the administration of otic medications in the appropriate order.
Response 1. Ask client to remain in side-lying position for a few minutes.
Response 2. Instill prescribed drops, holding dropper at least 1 cm above ear canal.
Response 3. If cerumen or drainage occludes the outermost portion of the ear canal, wipe out gently with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Response 4. For adults and children older than 3 years, gently pull the pinna up and outward.
Response 5. Have client assume side-lying position with ear to be treated facing up.
Response 6. Perform hand hygiene, apply gloves, and gather supplies.

Answer 2

6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Explanation:Rationale 1: The last step is to ask the client to remain side-lying for a few minutes.
Rationale 2: The fifth step is to instill the prescribed drops, holding the dropper at least 1 cm above the ear canal.
Rationale 3: The fourth step is to wipe any cerumen or drainage that may be occluding the outermost portion of the ear canal with a cotton-tipped applicator.
Rationale 4: The third step is to gently pull the pinna up and outward for children over the age of 3 years and adults.
Rationale 5: In the second step, the nurse will have the client assume a side-lying position with the ear to be treated facing up.
Rationale 6: The first step of this procedure is to perform hand hygiene, apply gloves, and gather supplies.

Question 3

The nurse reviews medications prescribed for assigned clients. Which can the nurse safely assign to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to apply?

A) Ear drops
B) Eye drops
C) Skin lotion
D) Vaginal suppository

Answer 3

C
Explanation:1. Ear drops cannot be assigned to UAP to administer.
2. Eye drops cannot be assigned to UAP to administer.
3. UAP may apply lotions and creams used primarily for relieving itching or dry skin.
4. Vaginal suppositories cannot be assigned to UAP to administer.

Question 4

The nurse is documenting after administering medications to a client. Which information should the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A) Name of the drug
B) The client response
C) Nursing assessment
D) The time administered
E) The subscriber of the drug