Nasal Spray Use: Proper Counseling

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Questions and Answers

Why is it important to advise patients to blow their nose before using a nasal spray?

  • To reduce the risk of a bitter taste in the mouth.
  • To prevent the medication from causing nosebleeds.
  • To ensure the medication has optimal contact with the nasal mucosa. (correct)
  • To prime the nasal passages for better absorption of the medication.

When is it necessary to prime the pump of a nasal spray?

  • Only the first time the nasal spray is used or if it hasn't been used in a while. (correct)
  • Before every use to ensure consistent dosage.
  • Before use in pediatric patients.
  • Only if the medication is an intranasal antihistamine.

A patient is using Astepro nasal spray and complains about a bitter taste in their mouth following administration. What instruction might prevent this?

  • Tilt the head forward and look down toward the feet during administration. (correct)
  • Shake the bottle vigorously before each use.
  • Hold the nostril closed for 30 seconds after administering the spray.
  • Tilt the head back while administering the spray.

What is the primary reason for instructing a patient to point the nasal spray nozzle away from the nasal septum?

<p>To reduce the risk of damage to the nasal septum and nosebleeds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should you advise a patient not to take a deep breath or snort while administering a nasal spray?

<p>To keep the drug in the nasal passages where it exerts its primary action. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why nasal sprays should not be shared between different individuals?

<p>To prevent the spread of germs and cross-contamination. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For self-administration of nasal drops, how should an adult patient position their head?

<p>Tilted back with nostrils pointed towards the ceiling. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to tilt the head from side to side after instilling nasal drops?

<p>To ensure the liquid gets in contact with as much of the inside of the nose as possible. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why might saline nasal drops be particularly beneficial for a patient experiencing nasal congestion due to dried-up mucus?

<p>They help dissolve and loosen dried mucus, making it easier to clear the nasal passages. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

After using nasal drops, a patient should be advised to:

<p>Lie flat or keep their head slightly tilted for a few minutes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important instruction to give a patient regarding nasal spray use to prevent potential cross-contamination?

<p>Do not share the nasal spray with anyone else. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A pharmacist is counseling a parent on administering nasal drops to their infant. What position is most appropriate for the infant during administration?

<p>Supported in the parent's arms with the head tilted back. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient using a fluticasone nasal spray reports experiencing frequent nosebleeds. What counseling point is most relevant to address this side effect?

<p>Recommend the patient use a humidifier to keep the nasal passages moist. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for cleaning the nozzle of a nasal spray or nasal drop bottle after each use?

<p>To prevent the nozzle from becoming clogged. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When counseling a patient on using a new nasal spray, what should you emphasize regarding the timing of blowing their nose?

<p>Avoid blowing the nose for a few minutes after use. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient asks why nasal drops are preferred for children. What is the most accurate reason?

<p>Nasal drops can be easier to administer to young children who may not tolerate nasal sprays. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does priming a nasal spray pump help ensure proper medication delivery?

<p>It clears any air from the nozzle and ensures the device is working correctly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient do if the tip of the nasal drop nozzle accidentally touches the inside of their nose during administration?

<p>Clean the nozzle with a clean tissue and continue with administration. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for patients to wash their hands before and after using nasal sprays or drops?

<p>To reduce the risk of spreading infection or contaminating the medication. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is using both a nasal spray and nasal drops. In what order should they administer the two medications?

<p>Administer the nasal drops first, followed by the nasal spray. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient complains that their nasal spray is not providing relief. What is the most appropriate initial question to ask them?

<p>Are you blowing your nose immediately after using the nasal spray? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of aggressively inserting the nasal spray nozzle too far into the nostril?

<p>Damage or perforation of the nasal septum. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why should a patient avoid sharing their nasal spray with other members of their household, even if they disinfect the nozzle after each use?

<p>Disinfecting the nozzle does not eliminate all risk of cross-contamination and spreading germs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is using a nasal spray for allergic rhinitis and reports that it burns upon instillation. What could be a potential reason for this sensation?

<p>The patient has damage to the nasal septum. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient mentions that their doctor advised them to use nasal bulb suctioning for their child in addition to nasal drops. What is the purpose of nasal bulb suctioning in this context?

<p>To remove any extra mucus after the nasal drops have had time to loosen the secretions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient using a nasal spray for the first time reports that nothing comes out when they press the pump. What is the most likely reason for this?

<p>The patient needs to prime the pump before the first use. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be the next step after a patient instills the recommended number of nasal drops into one nostril?

<p>Tilt the patient's head from side to side to ensure the liquid gets in contact with as much of the inside of the nose as possible. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What information should you provide to a patient regarding the storage of nasal sprays and drops?

<p>Store the medication in a cool, dark place, as per product instructions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A patient is using both a decongestant nasal spray and a corticosteroid nasal spray. Which one should they use first and why?

<p>The decongestant spray first, to clear the nasal passages and enhance absorption of the corticosteroid spray. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Drug Delivery Devices

Devices used to administer medications for conditions like cough, cold, and allergic rhinitis directly into the nasal passages.

Fluticasone

An anti-inflammatory nasal spray that reduces nasal passage inflammation.

Pre-application Prep

Clear nasal passages by blowing your nose to ensure the medication has optimal contact with the nasal mucosa.

Priming the Pump

Pressing down on the nozzle until a fine mist is released, done before first use or after a period of non-use to ensure the device works.

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Nasal Spray Aim

Point the nozzle away from the nasal septum towards your ear to avoid irritation and nosebleeds.

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Post-application Wait

Avoid blowing your nose immediately after using the spray to allow the medication to contact the nasal mucosa.

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Nasal Spray Sharing

To prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs, nasal sprays should not be shared between individuals.

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Nasal Drops

Saline solutions used to relieve congestion, particularly effective for pediatric patients.

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Nasal Drop Positioning

Tilt your head back, or lay with your head over the edge of the bed, so the nostrils are pointed towards the ceiling.

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Head Tilt

Moving the head from side to side ensures the liquid covers as much of the inside of the nose as possible.

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Study Notes

  • Proper counseling on the use of drug delivery devices like nasal sprays or drops is essential for patients to get the most benefit from their medications.

Nasal Sprays

  • Fluticasone is an intranasal corticosteroid used in a nasal spray.
  • Before use, patients should blow their nose to clear the nasal passages, ensuring better contact between the medication and the nasal mucosa.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Remove the cap.
  • Some nasal sprays require shaking before use.
  • If using the nasal spray for the first time or if it hasn't been used recently, prime the pump.
  • To prime, place the thumb at the bottom of the bottle and the index and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
  • Press down on the nozzle until a fine mist is visible, indicating the device is working.
  • Hold the bottle with the index and middle fingers on either side of the nozzle.
  • For some products, keep the head upright; for others like Astepro, tilt the head forward.
  • Insert the nozzle into one nostril, pointing it away from the nasal septum (the cartilage separating the nares) towards the ear to avoid irritation or nosebleeds.
  • Press on the side of the other nostril to close it.
  • Press down on the top of the bottle to release a fine mist into the nasal passage while breathing in normally.
  • Avoid taking a deep breath or snorting, as this can draw the medication into the throat and mouth.
  • Repeat the steps in the other nostril.
  • After use, avoid blowing the nose immediately to allow the medication to contact the nasal mucosa.
  • Wipe the nozzle clean, recap, and store as directed.
  • Nasal sprays should not be shared between individuals to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of germs.

Nasal Drops

  • Saline products are commonly formulated as nasal drops, which work well for pediatric patients.
  • Before use, clear the nasal passages if possible.
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • If self-administering, tilt the head back while seated or lying down so the nostrils point towards the ceiling.
  • When administering to a child, support the child in your arms and tilt their head back.
  • Remove the cap.
  • Instill the recommended number of drops into the nose, avoiding contact between the nozzle and the inside of the nose if possible.
  • Tilt the head from side to side to ensure the liquid contacts as much of the inside of the nose as possible.
  • Repeat the steps on the other nostril.
  • Keep the head tilted for a few minutes after instilling the drops to prevent the medication from running out.
  • As with nasal sprays, avoid blowing the nose for a few minutes after use.
  • Nasal drops are effective for managing nasal congestion, especially if there’s dried-up mucus in the nose.
  • Nasal drops can help in clearing nasal passages, making it easier to use nasal bulb suctioning, especially for pediatric patients.
  • Clean the nozzle with a dry tissue, recap, and store as directed.

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