What position are you going to place the patient when administering nasal drops?

Blow your nose gently.

Table of Contents Show

Step-by-Step Use
Related Stories
Correct Positioning
Further Reading
Instilling Ear Medications
Instilling Nasal Medications
Critical Thinking Exercises

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap & water.

Check the dropper tip to make sure that it is not chipped or cracked.

Avoid touching the dropper tip against your clean nose.

Tilt your head as far back as possible, or lie down on your back on a flat surface (such as a bed) and hang your head over the edge.

Place the correct number of drops into your nose.

Remain in this position for a few minutes.

Clean the dropper tip with warm water. Cap the bottle right away.

Wash your hands to remove any medication.

By Yolanda Smith, B.Pharm.Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.

When used correctly, nasal sprays can offer effective relief of allergy symptoms or other conditions, depending on the type of spray being used. However, it is important that patients are clear about the way in which the spray should be used. This helps in both increasing the efficacy of the medication and reducing the risk of side effects associated with nasal sprays.

Image Copyright: Naeblys / Shutterstock

Step-by-Step Use

Patients should follow the steps given below to use a pump bottle nasal spray:

Blow nose gently to clear any mucus from inside the nasal passageways
Remove the cap of the nasal spray and shake the bottle
Stay in an upright position with the head tilted forward slightly.
Hold the nasal spray in your hand with your thumb at the base of the bottle and the index and middle fingers on top.
Insert tip of spray bottle into one nostril, blocking the other nostril gently with the other hand.
Relax and breathe out slowly.
Squeeze the pump with your index and middle finger and breathe in slowly, just enough to keep the medication in place.
Repeat steps 3 to 5 in the other nostril.
Avoid blowing your nose shortly after taking a dose of the medication.

If the patient is using the nasal spray, it is important to prime the spray before using it. This simply involves pumping the nasal spray outside of the nose and away from the body several times, until a fine mist comes out when pumped.

Correct Positioning

One of the most important factors in using a nasal spray correctly is positioning the spray in the right direction. The following pointers should help patients with their positioning when using a nasal spray:

The head should be tilted forward slightly, with the nose in line with the toes.
Use the right hand to deliver a spray into the left nostril, directing the spray towards the left ear (and vice versa).

This positioning helps to reduce the risk that the medication will slip down the back of the throat or into the septum of the nose, both of which can easily become irritated by nasal spray use.

There are several mistakes that are commonly made when using nasal sprays, which can lead to a reduction in efficacy or increase the risk of side effects.

Nasal irritation of the septum (the middle section of the nose) is a common side effect that is due to the medication being directed toward this sensitive area of the nasal passageways. This can be avoided by using the opposite hand to deliver the spray to the other nostril (e.g. left to right or vice versa) so that the spray is directed towards the outside of the nose.

Mild throat irritation is another common side effect, which can result from dripping of the medication down the back of throat due to incorrect position of the head or breathing in too quickly when pumping the medication (snorting the medication). This can be avoided by keeping the head tilted forward slightly during administration and breathing in slowly as the spray is pumped.

Finally, the use of nasal sprays can sometimes lead to nosebleeds or significant irritation of the nose. If this occurs, patients should stop using the spray for 1-2 days and use a saline spray instead to allow the nasal lining to recover.

References

APA
Smith, Yolanda. (2019, February 27). How to Use Nasal Sprays Correctly. News-Medical. Retrieved on July 24, 2022 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-to-Use-Nasal-Sprays-Correctly.aspx.
MLA
Smith, Yolanda. "How to Use Nasal Sprays Correctly". News-Medical. 24 July 2022. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-to-Use-Nasal-Sprays-Correctly.aspx>.
Chicago
Smith, Yolanda. "How to Use Nasal Sprays Correctly". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-to-Use-Nasal-Sprays-Correctly.aspx. (accessed July 24, 2022).
Harvard
Smith, Yolanda. 2019. How to Use Nasal Sprays Correctly. News-Medical, viewed 24 July 2022, https://www.news-medical.net/health/How-to-Use-Nasal-Sprays-Correctly.aspx.

The following advice is for nose drops only and not for nose sprays which are used differently. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.

Blow your nose gently.
Drop the required number of drops into each nostril.
The aim is to get the liquid to spread over all the inside surface of the nose - including the upper surface.
A good position is to lie on a bed with your head hanging back over the edge. Stay like this for two minutes after putting in the drops before getting up. This is so that the liquid does not immediately run out of your nose or down the back of your throat but stays for a while in the nasal cavity.
Kneeling or bending forwards is an alternative, but it is harder to stay like this for two minutes after putting in the drops.
Replace the top on the bottle after using.
Wash your hands after using the drops.

Sometimes the nose drops leave an odd taste as they trickle down your throat after you have applied them to your nose. If this happens, have a drink to wash the taste away.
Between doses, keep the bottle closed and store in a cool, dark place (unless otherwise advised).
Do not let anyone else use your drops and do not use anyone else's drops yourself.
Do not use nose drops more often or for longer than advised. Some nose drops must only be used for a short time. Some 'go off' and need replacing after a certain time.
Throw out the bottle (and get a new one if required) after the recommended time. (One tip is to write the date that you opened the bottle on the label so you will know when it is time to throw it out.)
Keep the drops out of children's reach.

The above advice is general advice for most nose drops. You may be given specific instructions which may vary from the above.

Chapter 6. Non-Parenteral Medication Administration

Figure 6.13 Eye anatomy

The eye is the most sensitive organ to which medication may be applied (Perry et al., 2018). The cornea is especially sensitive, making the conjunctival sac the appropriate site for instilling eye (ophthalmic) medications. Eye medications might be necessary for conditions such as glaucoma, infection, and following eye surgery. Of note is that eye medication are for the most part administered into the conjunctival sac, which is much less sensitive than the cornea.

Checklist 49 outlines the steps for instilling eye medications.




1. Perform hand hygiene prior to medication preparation. Check MAR to guide you to which medications you are preparing. Follow agency policy to ensure MARs are accurate and verified appropriately.	Comparing physician orders and MAR A MAR that is checked by more than one healthcare professional provides a very reliable record for administering medications. Agencies may vary in relation to MAR verification processes.
2 a. As you are removing medication from the dispensing system, perform the SEVEN right three times with each individual medication: The right patient The right medication (drug) The right dose The right route The right time The right reason The right documentation	The right patient: Check that you have the correct patient using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth). The right medication (drug): Check that you have the correct medication and that it is appropriate for the patient in the current context. The right dose: Check that the dose makes sense for the age, size, and condition of the patient. Different dosages may be indicated for different conditions. The right route: Check that the route is appropriate for the patient’s current condition. The right time: Adhere to the prescribed dose and schedule. The right reason: Check that the patient is receiving the medication for the appropriate reason. The right documentation: Always verify any unclear or inaccurate documentation prior to administering medications.
2 b. The label on the medication must be checked for name, dose, and route, and compared with the MAR at three different times: When the medication is taken out of the dispensing system or drawer. Prior to opening the eye drop container. After opening the eye drop container but PRIOR to administering the eye medication.	These checks are done before administering the medication to your patient. If taking a drug to the bedside (e.g., eye drops), do the third check at bedside. Figure 6.14 Check medication with MAR
3. Take medications and MARs to the bedside. Identify the patient using two identifiers. Confirm allergies. Inform the patient of the medication and its intended action. Complete any necessary assessment. Offer a tissue to the patient.	MARs cannot be taken into rooms where additional precautions are necessary. The patient has the right to be informed. Drops may spill from the eye during administration.
4. Wear clean, non-sterile gloves.	Using gloves protects the nurse from potential contact with patient body fluids and medications. Apply non-sterile gloves
5. Cleanse the eyelashes and eyelids of any drainage or crusting with a warm washcloth or gauze. Use each area of cleaning surface only once, and move from inner to outer eye area.	Cleansing removes debris from eye area.
6. Tilt patient’s head back slightly if patient is sitting up, or place patient’s head over a pillow (under the neck) if they are lying down.	Tilting the head back makes it easier to reach the conjunctival sac for instilling drops. Do not tilt head back if patient has a cervical spine injury.
7. Invert the eye-drop container, and have patient look up and focus on something on the ceiling.	Keeping the eye focused will help keep it still.
8. Gently pull patient’s lower lid down using thumb or two fingers to expose conjunctival sac.	Place eye drop in conjunctival sac, not directly on eyeball (cornea).
9. Eye drops: Hold eye-drop container above eye taking care not to touch the eye, eyelids, or eyelashes. Instill one drop, or more if prescribed, into conjunctival sac. Eye ointment: Apply about 1.5 cm of ointment along lower conjunctival sac moving from inner to outer canthus. Twist tube to break off ribbon of ointment.	Touching the tip of the container to anything can contaminate the medication.
10. Release lower lid after instillation and ask patient to close eyes gently. Ask patient to move the eyeball while eyes are closed.	This step allows the medication to be distributed across the eye. Have patient close eyes after drop is instilled
11. Eye drops only: Apply gentle pressure over inner canthus for 30 to 60 seconds to prevent medication from entering the lacrimal duct.	This minimizes systemic absorption and thus systemic effects of the medication.
12. Instruct patient not to rub eye.	This is to prevent irritation and injury to the eye and to allow the medication to be fully absorbed.
13. Remove gloves and assist patient to a comfortable and safe position. Perform hand hygiene.	This ensures patient safety and comfort. Hand hygiene prevents the spread of microorganisms.
14. Document as per agency policy. Include date, time, dose, route; which eye the medication was instilled into; and patient’s response to procedure.	Timely and accurate documentation helps to ensure patient safety.
Data sources: BCIT, 2015; Lilley et al., 2016; Perry et al., 2018

Instilling Ear Medications

Figure 6.15 Anatomy of the ear

Common medications to be instilled into the ear include antibiotics, anti inflammatory agents, local analgesics, and wax emulsifiers (Lilley et al., 2016). In general, ear drops should be instilled after the ear has been thoroughly cleansed and the dropper cleaned with alcohol. Internal ear structures are particularly sensitive to temperature extremes. Therefore, ear (otic) medications should always be administered at least at room temperature but preferably at body temperature to promote comfort and to reduce risk of vertigo associated with cold ear drops (Lilley et al., 2016). Care must be taken to avoid contaminating the dropper and ear medication, as doing so could introduce microorganisms into the ear which could be very serious in the event the ear drum (tympanic membrane) is ruptured. After administration, the patient should be advised to lie on the unaffected side for 5 minutes to maximize medication absorption.

Checklist 50 outlines the steps for instilling ear medications.


Review everything in Table 6.1 Guidelines for Safer Medication Administration. Administer ear drops that are at room temperature or preferably at body temperature. Some ear drops may require shaking prior to administration. Only administer sterile ear drops to reduce risk of infection in the event that the ear drum is ruptured. Do not occlude the ear canal, as this can cause pressure during instillation of medication causing injury to the ear drum. If the patient experiences vertigo following medication administration, exercise safety precautions to avoid falls. Infection and/or treatment can result in temporary hearing loss. If hearing loss continues, contact the prescriber.

Perform hand hygiene prior to medication preparation. Check MAR to guide you to which medications you are preparing. Follow agency policy to ensure MARs are accurate and verified appropriately.	Comparing physician orders and MAR A MAR that is checked by more than one healthcare professional provides a very reliable record for administering medications. Agencies may vary in relation to MAR verification processes.
2 a. As you are removing medications from the dispensing system, perform the SEVEN rights three times with each individual medication: The right patient The right medication (drug) The right dose The right route The right time The right reason The right documentation	The right patient: Check that you have the correct patient using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth). The right medication (drug): Check that you have the correct medication and that it is appropriate for the patient in the current context. The right dose: Check that the dose makes sense for the age, size, and condition of the patient. Different dosages may be indicated for different conditions. The right route: Check that the route is appropriate for the patient’s current condition. The right time: Adhere to the prescribed dose and schedule. The right reason: Check that the patient is receiving the medication for the appropriate reason. The right documentation: Always verify any unclear or inaccurate documentation prior to administering medications.
2 b. The label on the medication must be checked for name, dose, and route, and compared with the MAR at three different times: When the medication is taken out of the drawer. When the medication is being poured. When the medication is being put away or at bedside.	Figure 6.14 Check medication with MAR
3. Before instilling ear drops, donne clean, non-sterile gloves.	Using gloves protects the nurse from potential contact with patient body fluids and medications. Apply non-sterile gloves
4. Cleanse external ear of any drainage using a warm wet washcloth.	Drainage or debris may prevent some medication from entering ear canal.
5. If lying down, position patient on unaffected side with affected ear uppermost. Tilt head to side if sitting up.	Proper positioning helps to stop medication from escaping. Do not tilt head if patient has a cervical spine injury.
6. Draw up medication into ear dropper, ensuring correct dosage. Do not return excess medication to stock bottle.	Risk for contamination is increased if medication is returned to bottle.
7. Adult administration: Gently pull ear pinna back and up. Child (up to 3 years) administration: Gently pull ear pinna down and back.	Pulling the pinna (the external part of the ear) straightens ear canal.
8. Hold dropper tip just above ear canal. Do not touch dropper tip to ear.	Touching the ear with the dropper tip will contaminate the dropper and the medication.
9. Allow drops to fall on the side of the ear canal.	Dropping the drops directly into the canal and onto the tympanic membrane will cause the patient discomfort.
10. Release ear pinna and have patient remain in the position for at least 5 minutes.	This position prevents medication from escaping from ear.
11. Apply gentle pressure to tragus (the inner side of the external ear) several times.	Figure 6.16 massage the tragus after instilling ear drops Pressure helps move medication toward tympanic membrane.
12. If ordered, a cotton ball may be placed loosely in the ear canal.	Cotton ball helps prevent medication from escaping from ear.
13. Remove gloves and assist patient to a comfortable and safe position.	This ensures patient safety and comfort.
14. Perform hand hygiene.	Hand hygiene prevents the spread of microorganisms.
15. Document as per agency policy. Include date, time, dose, route; which ear the medication was instilled into; and patient’s response to procedure.	Timely and accurate documentation helps to ensure patient safety.
Data sources: BCIT, 2015; Lilley et al., 2016; Perry et al., 2018

Instilling Nasal Medications

Figure 6.17 Facial sinuses

Figure 6.18 Nasal spray

Nasal medications are instilled for the treatment of allergies, nasal congestion, and sinus infections. The nose is not a sterile cavity, but medical asepsis must be observed because of its connection to the sinuses. Prior to administering nasal medications ask the patient to gently blow their nose.

Following administration, burning may be felt. At this point blowing the nose is discouraged, as the medication has not had time to absorb. Depending on the purpose of the nasal medication, different positioning may help facilitate delivery of the medication to the correct sinus area.

Checklist 51 outlines the steps for instilling nasal medications.


Review everything in Table 6.1 Guidelines for Safer Medication Administration Have the patient gently blow their nose prior. Many nasal medications require shaking to disperse medication in liquid. If specific sinuses are targeted for the medication, position accordingly: Posterior pharynx—position the head backward Ethmoid / sphenoid sinuses—with patient supine place pillow under shoulders and tilt head back Frontal / maxillary sinuses—place head back and turned toward the side intended to receive the medication Avoid blowing nose immediately after to allow medication an opportunity to absorb.

1. Perform hand hygiene prior to medication preparation. Check MAR to guide you to which medications you are preparing. Follow agency policy to ensure MARs are accurate and verified appropriately.	Comparing physician orders and MAR A MAR that is checked by more than one healthcare professional provides a very reliable record for administering medications. Agencies may vary in relation to MAR verification
2 a. As you are removing medications from the dispensing system, perform the SEVEN rights three times with each individual medication: The right patient The right medication (drug) The right dose The right route The right time The right reason The right documentation	The right patient: Check that you have the correct patient using two patient identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth). The right medication (drug): Check that you have the correct medication and that it is appropriate for the patient in the current context. The right dose: Check that the dose makes sense for the age, size, and condition of the patient. Different dosages may be indicated for different conditions. The right route: Check that the route is appropriate for the patient’s current condition. The right time: Adhere to the prescribed dose and schedule. The right reason: Check that the patient is receiving the medication for the appropriate reason. The right documentation: Always verify any unclear or inaccurate documentation prior to administering medications.
2 b. The label on the medication must be checked for name, dose, and route, and compared with the MAR at three different times: When the medication is taken out of the drawer. When the medication is being poured. When the medication is being put away or at bedside.	Figure 6.19 compare medication label with MAR These checks are done before administering the medication to your patient. If taking drug to bedside (e.g., nose drops), do a third check at the bedside.
3. Before instilling nasal medication, ask the patient to gently blow their nose. Donne clean, non-sterile gloves.	Nose blowing clears the nose prior to medication instillation. Using gloves protects the nurse from potential contact with patient body fluids and medications. Apply non-sterile gloves
4. Position patient. Nose spray: Sitting upright with one nostril occluded, insert tip into open nostril. Nose drops: Position patient sitting back or lying down with head tilted back over a pillow (underneath neck). Draw fluid into medication dropper with enough for both nares. Do not return excess fluid into stock bottle.	This position allows medication to flow back into nasal cavity. Do not tilt head back if patient has a cervical spine injury. Returning fluid to stock bottle increases risk for contamination of medication.
5. Instill medication: Nasal spray: Have patient hold one nostril closed and breathe gently through the other as the spray is being administered. Spray should be directed away from the nasal septum. Repeat as directed. Nose drops: Hold dropper about 1 cm above naris and drop medication into one naris and then the other. Position patient with head back for 2 to 3 minutes.	Hold dropper about 1 cm above naris Maintaining position will help medications remain in place and maximize absorption. Advise the patient they may feel like something is in the back of the throat. This is medication dripping into the pharynx.
6. Remove gloves and assist patient to a comfortable and safe position.	This ensures patient safety and comfort.
7. Perform hand hygiene.	Hand hygiene prevents the spread of microorganisms.
8. Document as per agency policy. Include date, time, dose, route; which naris the medication was instilled into (or whether it was both nares); and patient’s response to procedure.	Timely and accurate documentation helps to ensure patient safety.
Data sources: BCIT, 2015; Lilley et al., 2016; Perry et al., 2018

Critical Thinking Exercises

Your patient is due to receive a dose of medication instilled into both ears. You find the ear medication stored in the refrigerator. How should you proceed?
Your patient is due to receive medication instilled into her right eye, but you notice that her left eye has crusting and discharge. Discuss how you would proceed in this situation.
You need to teach a patient how to self administer nasal spray for seasonal allergy symptoms. Describe the key points you will discuss with them.

Figure 6.13. Anatomy of eye from OpenStax College, Anatomy & Physiology (2013) is used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Figure 6.14. Drops with MAR by author is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Figure 6.15. Anatomy of ear by Anatomy of the Ear by Blausen.com staff (2014) is used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Figure 6.16. Massage the tragus after instilling ear drops by author is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Figure 6.17. Nasal sinuses illustration from OpenStax College, Anatomy & Physiology. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license. Download for free at http://cnx.org/contents/.

Figure 6.18. Diagram of nasal spray application by BruceBlaus is used under a cc BY-SA 4.0 license.

Figure 6.19. Spray with MAR by author is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.