Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 80 NOSE DROP INSTILLATION PURPOSE: A specific physician's order is required for the instillation of medicated nose drops. Nose drops are administered to reduce nasal congestion by shrinking swollen mucous membranes, and to reduce inflammation and pain by the use of antiseptics or local anesthetics. RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL: RN, LPN EQUIPMENT: Medication, dropper, tissues SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Instruct the patient and family regarding potential systemic side effects. Inform the patient that he may taste the nose drops. Teach all interventions discussed in this section to the patient or caregiver. PROCEDURE: 1. Explain the procedure. 2. Have patient gently blow nose. 3. Assist the patient into appropriate position. 4. Wash hands. 5. Draw up the ordered amount of medication into dropper. 6. Place the prescribed number of drops directly into the nostril. The tip should not touch the nose. Do not insert the tip greater than 1/3 inch into nostrils. 7. Repeat for the other nostril, if indicated. 8. Have the patient remain in the same position for 5-10 minutes. Allow the patient to expectorate any medication that runs down the throat. 9. Observe patient closely for side effects to the medication and report to physician. 10. Discard any medication that remains in dropper. 11. Rinse dropper in hot water. Store medication and dropper. DOCUMENTATION: Document on the patient's Clinical Visit Note the procedure, including the medication dosage and the patient's tolerance of procedure. Document any side effects or untoward responses. Document any teaching and response to teaching.