6.7 Administering Topical Medications

In this section, we address how to administer topical medication using three distinct delivery methods: transdermal patch; creams, lotions, or ointments; and powder. Always wear gloves and maintain standard precautions when administering topical medications to the skin, mucous membranes, and tissues. Do not touch any preparations to your own skin, and turn your face away from powdered applications. Always clean the skin or wound before applying a new dose of topical medication.

Checklist 53 lists the steps for applying a transdermal patch.

Checklist 53: Applying a Transdermal Patch

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.

Safety considerations:

  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Check room for additional precautions.
  • Introduce yourself to patient.
  • Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
  • Check allergy band for any allergies.
  • Complete necessary focused assessments and/or vital signs, and document on MAR.
  • Provide patient education as necessary.
  • Plan medication administration to avoid disruption:
    • Dispense medication in a quiet area.
    • Avoid conversation with others.
    • Follow agency’s no-interruption zone policy.
    • Prepare medications for ONE patient at a time.
    • Follow the SEVEN RIGHTS of medication administration.
Steps Additional Information
1. Check MAR against doctor’s orders. Check that MAR and doctor’s orders are consistent.

Compare physician orders and MAR
Compare physician orders and MAR

Night staff usually complete and verify this check as well.
2. Perform the SEVEN RIGHTS x 3 (must be done with each individual medication):

  • The right patient
  • The right medication (drug)
  • The right dose
  • The right route
  • The right time
  • The right reason
  • The right documentation

Med calculation: D/H x S = A

(desired dosage/have available x stock = amount prepared)

 The right patient: check that you have the correct patient using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).

Compare MAR with patient wristband
Compare MAR with patient wristband

The right medication (drug): check that you have the correct medication and that it is appropriate for the patient in the current context.

The right dose: check that the dose makes sense for the age, size, and condition of the patient. Different dosages may be indicated for different conditions.

The right route: check that the route is appropriate for the patient’s current condition.

The right time: adhere to the prescribed dose and schedule.

The right reason: check that the patient is receiving the medication for the appropriate reason.

The right documentation: always verify any unclear or inaccurate documentation prior to administering medications.

Check the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation
Check the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation

NEVER document that you have given a medication until you have actually administered it.
3. The label on the medication must be checked for name, dose, and route, and compared with the MAR at three different times:

  1. When the medication is taken out of the drawer
  2. When the medication is being poured
  3. When the medication is being put away/or at bedside
Perform seven checks three times before administering medication
Perform seven checks three times before administering medication
Transdermal patch
Transdermal patch

These checks are done before administering the medication to your patient. If taking drug to bedside (e.g., eye drops), do third check at bedside.
4. Before applying a transdermal patch, remove the old patch if it is still in place. Clean area thoroughly.

Observe for signs of skin irritation at old patch and document as per agency policy.

 Not removing previous patch may result in overdose of the medication. Check between skin folds for old patch.

Remove previous patch
Remove previous patch
5. Dispose of old patch as per agency policy (usually in a biohazard trash bag) by folding in half with sticky sides together and wrapping it in a glove, or cutting it before disposal. This prevents accidental exposure to the medication.
6. Use a felt tip or soft tip pen to write the date, time, and your initials on the outside of the new patch. DO NOT use a ballpoint pen. Initialling patch communicates application date and time to other health care providers.

Write the date, time, and your initials on the transdermal patch
Write the date, time, and your initials on the transdermal patch

Ballpoint pen can damage patch and thus affect medication delivery.
7. Apply the new patch to a new site that is clear, dry, hairless, and free of skin irritations. If it is necessary to remove hair, clip the hair instead of shaving to avoid skin irritation.

A consistent surface ensures even medication distribution.
NOTE: It is usual to have a “patch-free period” of 10 to 12 hours when the patch is removed, because tolerance to the medication may develop if the patch is worn 24 hours/day. Check doctor’s orders to determine if the patch should be removed overnight.
8. Carefully remove the backing from the patch, taking care to hold it at the edges and not touch the medication with your fingers. This prevents interference with medication and maintains stickiness of patch.
9. Apply patch by holding one hand firmly over the patch for 10 seconds, then press around the edges to make sure that the patch is securely attached to the skin. This prevents loss of patch and ensures effectiveness of medication delivery.

Apply new transdermal patch
Apply new transdermal patch
10. Perform hand hygiene. This prevents the transfer of microorganisms.

Hand hygiene with ABHR
Hand hygiene with ABHR
NOTE:

  • Do not apply new patch to previously used sites for at least one week, so skin irritation is reduced.
  • Never cut patch in half; a change in dose requires a new transdermal patch.
  • Never apply a heating pad over the patch as it will affect the rate of absorption, with potentially serious adverse effects.
11. Document as per agency policy, making sure to include site of administration on the MAR. Accurate and timely documentation improves patient safety.
Data source: BCIT, 2015; Lilley et al., 2011; Perry et al., 2014

Checklist 54 lists the steps for applying topical medications as creams, lotions, and ointments.

    Checklist 54: Applying Topical Creams, Lotions, and Ointments

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.

Safety considerations:

  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Check room for additional precautions.
  • Introduce yourself to patient.
  • Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
  • Check allergy band for any allergies.
  • Complete necessary focused assessments and/or vital signs, and document on MAR.
  • Provide patient education as necessary.
  • Plan medication administration to avoid disruption:
    • Dispense medication in a quiet area.
    • Avoid conversation with others.
    • Follow agency’s no-interruption zone policy.
    • Prepare medications for ONE patient at a time.
    • Follow the SEVEN RIGHTS of medication administration.
Steps Additional Information
1. Check MAR against doctor’s orders.

Check that MAR and doctor’s orders are consistent.

Compare physician orders and MAR
Compare physician orders and MAR

Night staff usually complete and verify this check as well.
2. Perform the SEVEN RIGHTS x 3 (must be done with each individual medication):

  • The right patient
  • The right medication (drug)
  • The right dose
  • The right route
  • The right time
  • The right reason
  • The right documentation

Medication calculation: D/H x S = A

(D or desired dosage/H or have available x S or stock = A or amount prepared)

 The right patient: check that you have the correct patient using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).

Compare MAR with patient wristband
Compare MAR with patient wristband

The right medication (drug): check that you have the correct medication and that it is appropriate for the patient in the current context.

The right dose: check that the dose makes sense for the age, size, and condition of the patient. Different dosages may be indicated for different conditions.

The right route: check that the route is appropriate for the patient’s current condition.

The right time: adhere to the prescribed dose and schedule.

The right reason: check that the patient is receiving the medication for the appropriate reason.

The right documentation: always verify any unclear or inaccurate documentation prior to administering medications.

Check the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation
Check the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation

NEVER document that you have given a medication until you have actually administered it.
3. The label on the medication must be checked for name, dose, and route, and compared with the MAR at three different times:

  1. When the medication is taken out of the drawer
  2. When the medication is being poured
  3. When the medication is being put away/or at bedside
Perform seven checks three times before administering medication
Perform seven checks three times before administering medication

These checks are done before administering the medication to your patient. If taking drug to bedside (e.g., eye drops), do third check at bedside.
4. Apply non-sterile gloves unless skin is broken; then apply sterile gloves. Using gloves protects health care provider from contact with medication.

Apply non-sterile gloves
Apply non-sterile gloves

If skin is broken, sterile gloves will prevent the spread of microorganisms.
5. Wash, rinse, and dry the affected area with water and a clean cloth. This removes previous topical medications.
6. If skin is very dry and flaking, apply topical medication while skin is still damp. Applying while skin is damp helps to retain moisture within skin layers.
7. Change gloves, performing hand hygiene in between. Use sterile gloves for open skin lesions to prevent spread of microorganisms.

Apply sterile gloves if patient has open lesions
Apply sterile gloves if patient has open lesions
8. Place required amount of medication in palm of hands and soften by rubbing palms together. Softening makes topical medication easier to spread.

Rub medication in hands to soften and warm
Rub medication in hands to soften and warm
9. Let patient know that initial application may feel cold. Apply medication using long even strokes that follow the direction of the hair. Do not rub vigorously. This prevents irritation of hair follicles.
10. Let patient know that skin may feel greasy after application. Some topical medications contain oils.
11. Document as per agency policy, making sure to include site of administration on the MAR. Accurate and timely documentation improves patient safety.
12. Perform hand hygiene. This step prevents the transfer of microorganisms.

Hand hygiene with ABHR
Hand hygiene with ABHR
Data source: BCIT, 2015; Lilley et al., 2011; Perry et al., 2014

Checklist 55 lists the steps for applying medicinal powder topically.

    Checklist 55: Applying Topical Powder

Disclaimer: Always review and follow your hospital policy regarding this specific skill.

Safety considerations:

  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Check room for additional precautions.
  • Introduce yourself to patient.
  • Confirm patient ID using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).
  • Check allergy band for any allergies.
  • Complete necessary focused assessments and/or vital signs, and document on MAR.
  • Provide patient education as necessary.
  • Plan medication administration to avoid disruption:
    • Dispense medication in a quiet area.
    • Avoid conversation with others.
    • Follow agency’s no-interruption zone policy.
    • Prepare medications for ONE patient at a time.
    • Follow the SEVEN RIGHTS of medication administration.
Steps Additional Information
1. Check MAR against doctor’s orders.

Check that MAR and doctor’s orders are consistent.

Compare physician orders and MAR
Compare physician orders and MAR

Night staff usually complete and verify this check as well.
2. Perform the SEVEN RIGHTS x 3 (must be done with each individual medication):

  • The right patient
  • The right medication (drug)
  • The right dose
  • The right route
  • The right time
  • The right reason
  • The right documentation

Medication calculation: D/H x S = A

(D or desired dosage/H or have available x S or stock = A or amount prepared)

 The right patient: check that you have the correct patient using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth).

Compare MAR with patient wristband
Compare MAR with patient wristband

The right medication (drug): check that you have the correct medication and that it is appropriate for the patient in the current context.

The right dose: check that the dose makes sense for the age, size, and condition of the patient. Different dosages may be indicated for different conditions.

The right route: check that the route is appropriate for the patient’s current condition.

The right time: adhere to the prescribed dose and schedule.

The right reason: check that the patient is receiving the medication for the appropriate reason.

The right documentation: always verify any unclear or inaccurate documentation prior to administering medications.

Check the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation
Check the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, reason, documentation

NEVER document that you have given a medication until you have actually administered it.
3. The label on the medication must be checked for name, dose, and route, and compared with the MAR at three different times:

  1. When the medication is taken out of the drawer
  2. When the medication is being poured
  3. When the medication is being put away/or at bedside
Perform seven checks three times before administering medication
Perform seven checks three times before administering medication

These checks are done before administering the medication to your patient. If taking drug to bedside (e.g., eye drops), do third check at bedside.
4. Ensure that skin is completely dry and clean before application. This minimizes potential for powder to cake and crust.
5. If application is near patient’s face, ask patient to turn away from powder or briefly cover face with a clean towel. This prevents patient from inhaling powder.
6. Dust skin with a light layer of powder. Too thick a layer of powder will congeal and crust.
7. If ordered, cover the affected site with the prescribed dressing. Covering site prevents soiling of patient’s clothes and linens.
8. Document as per agency policy, making sure to include site of administration on the MAR. Accurate and timely documentation improves patient safety.
9. Perform hand hygiene. Prevents transfer of microorganisms.

Hand hygiene with ABHR
Hand hygiene with ABHR
Data source: BCIT, 2015; Lilley et al., 2011; Perry et al., 2014

Critical Thinking Exercises

  1. Your patient’s MAR states that their Nitro-Patch should be removed at night. Please explain why this is considered safe practice.
  2. Discuss the steps you would take to administer a lotion for a patient with a rash that has several open lesions.
  3. Discuss why it is necessary to ensure that your patient’s skin is clean and dry prior to applying a prescribed topical powder.

License

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Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care Copyright © 2015 by British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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