Ear Drops (Otic) & Nasal Sprays
For an adult patient receiving ear drops, the nurse should pull the pinna in this direction.
➡️ Answer: Up and back
How long should a patient hold their breath after inhaling from an MDI?
10 Seconds
Before applying a new patch, what must you always do first?
Remove old patch, clean site
What is the ideal patient position for administering oral solid medications?
✅ Answer: Sitting upright at 90°
When administering eye drops, the nurse places the medication in this part of the eye.
➡️ Answer: The conjunctival sac
After giving eye drops, where should you apply gentle pressure and for how long?
Inner canthus, 30–60 seconds
Why should a patient rinse their mouth after using an inhaled corticosteroid?
Prevent oral thrush
Where should you NOT place a transdermal patch?
Broken, irritated, or hairy skin
What should you teach a patient about swallowing tablets?
✅ Answer: Take with water, don’t chew unless directed, and remain upright after some medications.
Before administering ophthalmic medication, the nurse should first perform this action.
➡️ Answer: Hand hygiene
After instilling ear drops, the patient should remain in this position for 2–3 minutes.
➡️ Answer: Lying on the side with the affected ear up
How long should a patient wait between puffs of the same inhaler?
1–2 minutes
Why should heat be avoided over a transdermal patch?
Increases absorption → risk of overdose
Why can’t you crush enteric-coated or extended-release tablets?
✅ Answer: It alters absorption and may cause toxicity or stomach irritation.
Before administering nasal spray, the nurse should instruct the patient to do this.
➡️ Answer: Gently blow the nose
Where should you direct a nasal spray in the nostril for best absorption and comfort?
➡️ Answer: Toward the lateral wall or away from the nasal septum
What’s the correct breathing pattern for a Diskus inhaler?
Exhale away, inhale quickly and deeply, hold breath 10 sec
If you find two patches on a patient, what should you do?
Remove both, clean site, notify provider
A patient spits out an oral medication. What should you do?
✅ Answer: Do not re-administer; document and notify provider.
When ophthalmic ointment and drops are prescribed, which route should you administer first?
➡️ Answer: Drops first, then the ointment
What is a common risk of overusing nasal sprays?
Rebound congestion
Name 2 pre- or post-assessments for inhalation medications.
RR, lung sounds, oxygenation
Why should topical medications be applied to rotated sites, and what may result if they aren’t?
To protect skin integrity and ensure proper absorption; repeated use on one site can cause irritation and decreased effectiveness
What device is preferred fordosing liquid medications under 5 mL?
✅ Answer: Oral syringe.
Which nursing action is most important when administering ophthalmic medications to prevent contamination and infection?
➡️ Answer: Avoiding contact between the dropper tip and the eye, eyelid, or any surface