Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

General Nursing (RGN)

INSTILLATION OF NASAL DROPS

Nasal drops deliver prescribed medication or solution to the nasal passages. Correct identification, positioning, aseptic handling, dose accuracy, and observation for local or systemic effects support safe administration.

Purpose

  • Deliver a prescribed local therapeutic effect
  • Reduce congestion or inflammation when indicated
  • Moisten or irrigate the nasal mucosa when prescribed

Indications

  • A prescribed nasal medication or solution
  • Nasal congestion, inflammation, or dryness requiring local treatment
  • A clinician-directed nasal irrigation or therapeutic preparation

Equipment

  • Prescribed nasal drops and medication chart
  • Clean dropper or single-use applicator
  • Cotton wool or gauze
  • Kidney dish or receiver
  • Gloves if contact with secretions is expected
  • Hand hygiene supplies and documentation record

Preparation

  • Review the medication chart and assess whether the patient can maintain the required position.
  • Explain that mild transient taste or throat drainage may occur, while severe symptoms require reporting.

Procedure steps

  • Check the prescription and medication rights: patient, medication, dose, route, time, indication, allergies, expiry, and integrity.
  • Identify the patient with two identifiers, explain the drops, confirm consent, and assess the nasal passages and breathing.
  • Perform hand hygiene, prepare the labelled medication, and position the patient supine or as prescribed with the head supported and slightly extended.
  • Ask the patient to breathe through the mouth and gently clear the nostrils if necessary without forceful nose blowing.
  • Avoid touching the dropper tip to the nose, skin, or other surface; instil the prescribed number of drops into the correct nostril.
  • Keep the patient in the prescribed position for several minutes to allow distribution and prevent immediate drainage.
  • Dab excess medication with clean gauze, do not ask the patient to blow the nose immediately, and observe for discomfort or respiratory difficulty.
  • Dispose of single-use items, clean reusable equipment according to policy, and perform hand hygiene.
  • Reposition the patient comfortably and explain expected effects and symptoms to report.
  • Document medication, dose, nostril, time, response, and any adverse effect or refusal.

Precautions

  • Do not share droppers between patients and avoid contaminating the bottle tip.
  • Check for nasal obstruction, epistaxis, allergy, recent surgery, or a contraindication before administration.
  • Do not exceed prescribed frequency; topical decongestants can cause rebound congestion with prolonged use.
  • Stop and seek help for severe wheeze, facial swelling, significant bleeding, or anaphylaxis.

Aftercare

  • Keep the patient comfortable and observe for local irritation, bleeding, dizziness, or breathing difficulty.
  • Encourage hand hygiene and correct storage of the medication.

Documentation

  • Record medication name, dose, nostril, time, position, patient response, and education.
  • Document refusal, administration error, adverse reaction, or escalation immediately according to policy.

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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