Applying Ointments

(An ointment is a viscous semisolid preparation used topically on a variety of body surfaces. These include the skin and the mucus membranes of the eye (an eye ointment), vagina, anus, glans and nose. An ointment may or may not be medicated.)

Preliminaries

1. Have the patient sit or lie down.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly.
3. Check the physicians instructions-what medication and which eye ?
4. Select the correct medication and strength and also check the expiration date. Always read the label. Many opthalmic medication bottles look alike.
5. If the medication to be used is a suspension, shake the container well to ensure the drug is distributed throughly the liquid.
   
6. To maintain sterility of the bottle contents, do not allow the inside edge of the bottle cap to contact any surface or object other than the bottle. Avoid touching the bottle tip to the lids, lashes, or surface of the eye.

Most topical ophthalmic drugs are available as a solution, a suspension or an ointment.

Steps to apply ointments:-

1. If the tube of ointment has been opened prior to this use, express ½-inch of ointment onto a fresh cotton ball, gauze, or tissue and discard it.
2. Squeezing the tube lightly and with even pressure, applying the ointment along the conjunctiva surface of the lower lid, moving from inner to the outer canthus. Usually ½-inch or ointment is enough. Avoid touching the tip of the tube to the eye, eyelash or skin to prevent contamination of the ointment tube. With a twisting motion detach the ointment from the tip of the container.
3. instruct the patient to close the eye gently
4. Wipe any excess ointment from the skin with a fresh cotton ball, gauze, or tissue; then discard it properly.
   

(For medical people)

1. Record the following information in the patients chart:
• Medication name and strength
• Time administered
• Which eye received the medication