HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 8-9
Medications: Vaginal Medications __RN
PURPOSE:
To apply a medication to the vaginal tract.
CONSIDERATIONS:
1. Examine the perineum for excoriation before
administering the medication. If any excoriation is
present, withhold the medication and consult the
doctor. Administration of medication could cause a
burning sensation.
2. Store suppository/cream in a cool place. Many of
these medications have a base that melts at warm
temperature.
3. The vagina has no sphincter. The patient should
remain in a lying position for 30 minutes to keep the
medication within the vaginal tract.
4. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
5. Use at least two (2) patient identifiers prior to
administering medications.
EQUIPMENT:
Vaginal suppository/cream as prescribed
Water-soluble lubricant
Cotton balls
Towel or washcloth
Small basin of soapy, warm water
Protective bed covering
Gloves
PROCEDURE:
1. Adhere to Universal Precautions.
2. Explain procedure to patient.
3. Ask patient to empty bladder. Assist to lie down
with knees flexed and legs spread apart. Place bed
protector under buttocks and drape bed linen over
legs, leaving only perineum exposed.
4. Assemble equipment. Unwrap suppository and
lubricate with lubricant or fill applicator with cream
and lubricate tip of applicator.
5. If any vaginal discharge is observed, cleanse area
with soapy, warm water. Cleanse the right and left
side of the perineum and finally the center, wiping
from front to back, using a clean part of the towel or
washcloth for each stroke.
6. With one hand gently separate the labia and inspect
the perineum for any irritation. Gently insert the
lubricated suppository or applicator and insert
cream.
7. Instruct the patient to remain lying down for about
30 minutes. Cleanse perineum as necessary.
8. Discard soiled supplies in appropriate containers.
9. If applicator is reusable, wash according to
manufacturer's guidelines and return it to container.
AFTER CARE:
1. Document in patient's record:
a. Medication administered, dose, time, route, site.
b. Condition of perineum and labia.
c. Patient's response to procedure, side effects,
and management.
d. Instructions given to patient/caregiver.
e. Communication with the physician.
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