1. Topical and Inhalant Medications
Chapter 33:
Topical and Inhalant Medications

2. Topical Route Cutaneous applications Inunction application
Ointment
Oil
Lotion
Cream
Transdermal applications
Skin patches
Drug paste

3. Topical Route (cont’d)
Cutaneous applications
Ophthalmic applications
Otic applications
Nasal applications
Sublingual and buccal applications
Vaginal applications
Rectal applications

4. Transdermal Route Drug paste Skin patches
Each time a new patch is applied, it should be placed in a slightly different location
Extremely hairy skin areas should be clipped before application to aid adhesion
A patch should always be dated and initialed so that others can determine when it was applied
The older patch must always be removed when the new patch is applied

6. Eye and Ear Medications
Eyes
Application onto one or both eyes as ordered
Different forms of medication
Ears
Different techniques of administration differ for adults and children

7. Ear Medication

8. Eye Medication

9. Nasal Decongestants Rebound effect
Occurs with overuse of nasal decongestants

10. Sublingual and Buccal Administration
Placed under the tongue and left to dissolve slowly
Buccal
Placed against the mucous membranes of the inner check

11. Vaginal Applications Used to treat localized infections
Common causes and symptoms of vaginal infections

12. Rectal Administration
Drugs administered rectally are usually in the form of suppositories
Creams and ointments also may be prescribed

13. Inhalant Route
The inhalant route administers drugs to the lower airways
This method is effective because the lungs provide an extensive area from which the circulatory system can quickly absorb the drug

14. Inhalant Route (cont’d)
Definition of inhalers
Dry powder inhaler
Metered-dose inhaler
Nebulizer
Definition of a spacer and its advantage

15. Question Is the following statement true or false?
Drug residue accumulates only in the mouthpiece of faulty inhalers.

16. Answer
False.
Drug residue may accumulate in the mouthpiece of all inhalers, so the client should rinse the mouthpiece in warm water after use.

17. Question Is the following statement true or false?
The conjunctiva lines the inner eyelids and the anterior surface of the sclera.

18. Answer
True.
The mucous membrane of the eyes, called the conjunctiva, lines the inner eyelids and the anterior surface of the sclera.

19. Question Is the following statement true or false?
In a sublingual application, medication is introduced into the bloodstream by dissolving or mixing medication in water and ingesting thereafter.

20. Answer
False.
In a sublingual application, the drug is placed under the tongue and is left to dissolve slowly and become absorbed by the rich blood supply in the area.

21. Question Is the following statement true or false?
When instilling ear medication in a young child, the nurse pulls the ear up and back.

22. Answer
False.
When instilling ear medication in a young child, the nurse pulls the ear down and back. For an adult, the nurse pulls the ear up and back.