TOPICAL MEDICATIONS

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

Types of Topical Medications *Powders *Sprays *Creams *Ointments *Lotions *Pastes

Soften, Slough off Dry Skin

Reduce/Kill Bacteria Alcohol Betadine Antibiotic ointment

Fungal/Yeast Infections Desenex Miconazole

Inflammation Itching Hydrocortisone Calamine Lotion

Relieve Pain Solarcaine Biofreeze

Skin Patches, Transdermal Nitro, Nicotene, Duragesic Absorbed through skin Only applied or removed by nurse Report if coming off Monitor skin condition for irritation

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

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?

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

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)

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

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

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

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?

Medicated Baths Used for treatment of skin conditions  Itching  Rashes  Fever

Photo’s used with express consent of Walgreen’s Inc

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