INSTILLATION OF NASAL DROPS

REQUIREMENTS #

1. Tray containing the following:
   • Cotton wool swabs or gauze swabs
   • Prescribed nasal drops
   • Dropper
   • Receiver
2. Treatment Chart (Manual or Electronic)

STEPS #

1. Check for the right patient, right medication, right time, right dose against doctor’s order and treatment chart (manual or electronic) as well as the expiry date
2. Establish rapport (Refer to steps)
3. Explain procedure
4. Ensure patient’s right to know/consent and to refuse medication
5. Perform hand hygiene
6. Set tray and send to the bedside
7. Check medication against the treatment chart (manual or electronic) for the right dosage
8. Place patient in the supine position with head extended so that his/her chin is higher than his/her vertex
9. Clean nostrils with cotton wool swabs if necessary
10. Draw up medication and instil by drops as ordered
11. Ask patient to remain in position for a few minutes
12. Ask patient to breathe through his/her mouth and not to bow his/her nose
13. Dab any medication that may drip from his/her nostrils with a dry swab
14. Assist patient into a desirable position after five (5) to ten (10) minutes
15. Remain with patient for five (5) minutes if a child
16. Document procedure on nurses’ notes and chart on the treatment chart (manual or electronic)
17. Dispose off used items and decontaminate tray
18. Perform hand hygiene
19. Report to appropriate officer