NUR 231 Topical Medication
Administration Practice Questions and
Correct Answers
Ophthalmic drops ✅-gloves
-clean eye from inside out
-position on back or sitting upright, with head hyperextended
-patient looks up
-dropper in dominant hand above eyeball
-non-dominant hand on cheek bone
-use 2x2 gauze, cotton ball, tissue to pull down lower lid
-drop correct number into conjunctival sac
-close eye gently
*systemic effect medication...apply pressure with tissue to nasolacrimal duct for 30-60
secs to prevent overflow of medication*
Ophthalmic ointment ✅-discard first bead of ointment
-never share with other clients
-position on back or sitting up right, with head hyperextended
-patient looks up
-squeeze ointment along inside edge of lower lid from inside to outside
-upper lid: patient looks down, grasp lashes at center of upper lid, draw lid up and
squeeze away from eye, starting from inside to outside
-patient should close eye and move around to spread ointment
*client will have blurred vision, offer restroom before applying ointment*
Ear drops ✅children: pinna down and back (3 or less)
Adults: pull pinna up and back (3+)
-hold dropper above ear (never touch ear)
-wait 5-10 mins per drops
-massage tragus gently
-insert loose cotton wick if ordered and remove after 25 minutes
-patient lays on side for 2-3 mins
*instill at room temp (prevents vertigo, dizziness, nausea), use ONLY sterile solutions,
check for eardrum rupture, never occlude ear canal*
Nasal drops or sprays ✅-blow nose before administrating
-ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses: tilt head straight back (hyperextended)
-maxillary and frontal sinuses: tilt head back and to one side (hyperextend with lateral
flexion)
-DO NOT touch dropper or sprayer to mucous membranes
-do not sneeze or blow nose and remain in position for 5-10 mins
-only open mouth sneeze
Administration Practice Questions and
Correct Answers
Ophthalmic drops ✅-gloves
-clean eye from inside out
-position on back or sitting upright, with head hyperextended
-patient looks up
-dropper in dominant hand above eyeball
-non-dominant hand on cheek bone
-use 2x2 gauze, cotton ball, tissue to pull down lower lid
-drop correct number into conjunctival sac
-close eye gently
*systemic effect medication...apply pressure with tissue to nasolacrimal duct for 30-60
secs to prevent overflow of medication*
Ophthalmic ointment ✅-discard first bead of ointment
-never share with other clients
-position on back or sitting up right, with head hyperextended
-patient looks up
-squeeze ointment along inside edge of lower lid from inside to outside
-upper lid: patient looks down, grasp lashes at center of upper lid, draw lid up and
squeeze away from eye, starting from inside to outside
-patient should close eye and move around to spread ointment
*client will have blurred vision, offer restroom before applying ointment*
Ear drops ✅children: pinna down and back (3 or less)
Adults: pull pinna up and back (3+)
-hold dropper above ear (never touch ear)
-wait 5-10 mins per drops
-massage tragus gently
-insert loose cotton wick if ordered and remove after 25 minutes
-patient lays on side for 2-3 mins
*instill at room temp (prevents vertigo, dizziness, nausea), use ONLY sterile solutions,
check for eardrum rupture, never occlude ear canal*
Nasal drops or sprays ✅-blow nose before administrating
-ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses: tilt head straight back (hyperextended)
-maxillary and frontal sinuses: tilt head back and to one side (hyperextend with lateral
flexion)
-DO NOT touch dropper or sprayer to mucous membranes
-do not sneeze or blow nose and remain in position for 5-10 mins
-only open mouth sneeze
