Title: Administer nasal drops and sprays.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-18) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include

- knowledge of the purpose of nasal medications to treat sinus infections, seasonal allergies, pain, or congestion due to colds
- following the procedures for nasal drops:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Make sure the medication is at room temperature.
  - Instruct the client to gently blow their nose.
  - Instruct the client to sit or lie down and tilt their head back.
  - Drop the prescribed number of drops into the client’s nose.
  - Instruct the client to remain in the same position for a few minutes.
  - Replace the cap.
  - Wash your hands and properly dispose of gloves, if wearing.
  - Document accurately on the MAR.

- following the procedures for nasal sprays:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Make sure the medication is at room temperature.
  - Instruct the client to gently blow their nose.
  - Instruct the client to hold their head upright and slightly tilt the head forward.
  - Instruct the client to use a finger to close the nostril not receiving medication and to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth.
  - Insert the spray nozzle no more than one-quarter inch into the nostril with tip pointed to the back outer side of the nose.
  - Spray firmly and quickly.
  - Remove the spray bottle and instruct the client to tilt their head back for several seconds to aid penetration of the drug.
  - Instruct the client to avoid blowing their nose for 15 minutes.
  - Replace the cap.
  - Wash your hands and properly dispose of gloves if wearing.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.

Note: These medications are best if they are administered by the client, especially the nasal sprays because they require hand/breathing coordination.