Go Back to Work Procedures

Administering Ear Drops

1. Clean external ear if required, do not use cotton buds
2. Put on disposable non-latex gloves
3. If the medication has been refrigerated, hold bottle in the palm of your hand to allow
contents to come to body temperature (but no higher)
4. Remove cap from bottle immediately before use. To avoid contamination, DO NOT
touch the tip of the bottle with anything
5. Ask or assist the client to tilt head to the side with the required ear lobe facing up
6. Alternatively assist the client to lie on their side with the required ear lobe facing up
7. Gently hold the required ear lobe up and back for clients over 3 years of age, or
down and back for clients under 3 years of age
8. While holding the ear lobe, gently squeeze the required number of drops into the
ear canal do not touch the ear with the tip of the dropper/bottle
9. Replace cap on bottle immediately after use
10. Keep the ear in an upward position for 30-60 seconds or as per pharmacy label
11. When drops are ordered for both ears, repeat the steps 5 – 8 after the 60 seconds
period
12. Ensure the client is safe and comfortable during and after administration
13. Remove and discard gloves and any disposable equipment
14. Return medication to appropriate storage as per manufacturer’s label
15. Wash your hands when finished
16. Report any incidents
17. Document

Administering Topical (Creams and Lotions)

1. Maintaining the privacy and comfort of the client, identify and expose the area of
skin required
2. Check the area for any changes, i.e.: open wound, swelling, reddened/raised areas,
or skin that is hot to touch. If any of these conditions have changed, contact the
Client’s Coordinator to advise
3. Ensure the site is clean and dry with no residue of previous medication (gently
remove as necessary)
4. Using disposable non-latex gloves, gently apply medication as per Medication
Chart/pharmacy label using the Right Method to suit the client
5. Apply creams in the same direction the hair lies on the skin as a thin layer
6. Ensure the client is safe and comfortable during and after administration
7. Discard used gloves and return medication to storage area
8. . Wash your hands when finished
9. Report any incidents
10. Document

Administering Nasal Spray

1. Apply disposable non-latex gloves
2. Shake the bottle before use (as per pharmacy label)
3. Prime the spray device according to manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid inhaling the
spray
4. Ask/assist client to sit as upright as comfortably possible
5. Where able, ask the client to blow their nose prior to medication administration
6. Follow manufacturer’s instructions regarding client’s head and bottle position
7. Gently place the tip of the bottle into the nostril, avoid pushing in too hard or too far
8. Administer prescribed number of sprays
9. Advise the client to avoid hard sniffing during and after the spray as this may force
the medication into the back of the throat
10. Advise the client to avoid sneezing and nose blowing immediately following
medication administration
11. Wipe the tip of the bottle with a disposable cotton pad or clean tissue
12. Repeat for the other nostril as directed on the Medication Chart
13. Following client administration, ensure the tip of the bottle is clean before replacing
the cap and returning to appropriate storage location
14. Ensure the client is safe and comfortable during and after administration
15. Remove and discard gloves and disposable equipment
16. Wash your hands when finished
17. Report any incidents
18. Document

Document History

Reviewed by:          Clinical and Risk Specialist

Authorised by:         CEO

Date Adopted:

Next Review Due:

Version Control

Go Back to Work Procedures