Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing

Jan Louis P. Lapay

Mr. Neil M. Martin RN, MAN, MBE, PhD

ADMINISTERING NASAL MEDICATIONS

Definition:
Nasal administration, popularly known as snorting, is a route of administration in which drugs are insufflated through the nose. It can be a form of either
topical administration or systemic administration, as the drugs thus locally delivered can go on to have either purely local or systemic effects.
Purpose:
Nasal instillations are used to treat allergies, sinus infections, and nasal congestion. Medications with a systemic effect, such as vasopressin, may also be
prepared as a nasal instillation. The nose is normally not a sterile cavity, but because of its connection with the sinuses, it is important to observe
medical asepsis carefully when using nasal instillations.
Special considerations:
● INFANTS:
1. Hold the infant in the cradle position, stabilizing the head and tilting it back.
2. Give nose drops 20-30 minutes before feeding. Infants are nose breathers and nasal congestion inhibits sucking.

Equipment needed:
1. Tissues
2. Correct medication bottle with a dropper
3. Clean, disposable gloves (optional)
4. Small pillow (optional)

PROCEDURE RATIONALE 5 4 3 2 1
PREPARATION
1. Perform drug study. Find out why the drug is prescribed This knowledge aids the nurse in evaluating the
to the patient, its drug classification, mechanism of therapeutic effect of the medication in relation to the
action, usual dosage range and frequency of patient’s disorder and can also be used to educate the
administration, side effects, contraindications, drug- patient about the medication.
drug interactions, and nursing considerations in giving
the drug.

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Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing
2. Check the MAR (Medication Administration Record) for This is the first check of the label. Ensures that the right
drug name, dosage, frequency, route of administration, medication is being taken.
and expiration date, if appropriate.
3. Check each medication card against the physician’s This comparison helps to identify errors that may have
order according to the institution’s policy. If there are occurred when orders were transcribed. The primary care
inconsistencies, clarify them at once. provider’s order is the legal record of medication orders
for each facility
PERFORMANCE
1. Secure all the necessary equipment and obtain Organization facilitates error-free administration and
appropriate medication. Prepare the medication in the saves time. This prevents errors in medication
medication section, for one patient at a time. administration.
2. Identify the client by letting the conscious client say his Identifying the patient ensures the right patient receives
full name and verify by looking at the client’s wristband, the medications and helps prevent errors. This is the most
which has his name and hospital ID number written on reliable method. Replace the identification band if
it. it is missing or inaccurate in any way
3. Bring the medication to the client’s bedside. Provide Careful handling and close observation prevent accidental
privacy. Explain the procedure to the patient. or deliberate disarrangement of medications. This relieves
patients anxiety and promote rapport and cooperation.
4. Perform hand washing and observe appropriate infection Hand hygiene and PPE prevent the spread of
control procedures. Don gloves if drainage is present. microorganisms. PPE is required based on transmission
precautions. Gloves protect the nurse from potential
contact with contaminants and body fluids.
5. Provide the patient with paper tissues and ask patient to Blowing the nose clears the nasal mucosa prior to
blow his or her nose. medication administration.
6. Have the patient sit up with head tilted back. Or, if the These positions allow the solution to flow well back into
patient is lying down, tilt the head back over a pillow. the nares. Do not tilt the head if patient has a cervical
spine injury
7. Draw sufficient solution into the dropper for both nares. Returning solution to a stock bottle increases the risk for
contamination of the stock bottle.
8. Hold the tip of the dropper just above the nostril and Breathing through the mouth helps prevent aspiration of
direct the solution laterally toward the midline of the solution. The soft tubing will protect the patient’s nares
superior concha of the ethmoid bone as the client from injury during administration of medication. Touching
breathes through the mouth. Avoid touching the mucous the naris may cause
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Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing
membrane of the nares. Repeat for the other nostril if the patient to sneeze and will contaminate the dropper.
indicated.
9. Have the patient remain in this position for 5 minutes. Tilting the head back prevents the escape of the
medication.
10. Excess solution should not be returned to a stock bottle Proper disposal and hand hygiene must be observed to
and dispose all supplies appropriately. Do handwashing. prevent the spread of microorganisms

11. Document each drug given on medication chart. Record Timely documentation helps to ensure patient safety.
the dose, time, and affix your signature.
● If drug was refused or omitted, record this fact
on the appropriate record and document the
reason.
● Record any fluid intake if client is on I & O
monitoring.

12. Return to the client when the drug is expected to take The patient needs to be evaluated for therapeutic and
effect, usually 30 minutes. Report significant deviations adverse effects from the medication.
from normal to the physician.

Learner’s Reflection: (What did you learn most of the activity? What is Instructor’s Comments:
its impact to you?)

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Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology College of Nursing
Flu and colds are quite popular these days. Individuals often buy OTC nasal
spray. Through this checklist, I can now educate them the proper way in
instilling the OTC nasal spray. Some individuals takes the administration of
these drugs for granted as it could still work even though if they not follow
the proper way. I can now educate them and hopefully fill the blank spaces
of knowledge in their minds about administrating nasal medications.

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