Nursing Procedure Checklist

Applying Topical Medication

Instruction: Check under Correctly Done if identified skill is Correctly Incorrectly Not
correctly performed; Incorrectly Done if skill is not performed Done Done Done
correctly; and Not Done if the student failed to perform the skill.
PROCEDURE
1. Gather equipment. Check medication order against the original
physician’s order according to agency policy. Clarify any
inconsistencies. Check the patient’s chart for allergies.
2. Know the actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose
ranges, purpose of administration, and adverse effects of the
medications to be administered. Consider the appropriateness of
the medication for the patient.
3. Perform hand hygiene.
4. Prepare medications for one patient at a time.
5. Read the MAR and select the proper medication from patient’s
medication drawer or unit stock.
6. Compare the label with the MAR (Medication Administration
Record). Check expiration dates and perform calculations, if
necessary.
7. When all medication for one have been prepared, recheck the
label with the MAR before taking them to the patient. And return
the medication stock to patient’s drawer.
8. Transport the medications to the patient’s bedside carefully,
and keep the medications in sight at all times.
9. Ensure that the patient receives the medications at the correct
time.
10. Identify the patient; usually, the patient should be identified
using three methods: Compare information with the MAR:
a. Check the name on the patient’s identification band
b. If the patient cannot identify him/ herself, verify the patient’s
identification to the significant others.
11. Complete necessary assessments before administering
medications. Check allergy bracelet or ask patient about allergies.
Explain the purpose and action of each medication to the patient.
12. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves (use non-sterile
gloves unless the skin is broken; then apply sterile gloves)
13. Wash, rinse, and dry the affected area with water and clean
gauze. (If skin is very dry and flaking, apply topical medication
while skin is still damp)
14. Change gloves and perform hand hygiene in between. (Use
sterile gloves for open skin lesions)
15. Place required amount of medication using a cotton tip
applicator. Note: the cotton tip applicator is sterile and is for
single use. Let the patient know that initial application may feel
cold.
16. Apply medication using one stroke and observe the inner to
outer application. Discard the cotton applicator to proper
 Nursing Procedure Checklist

receptacle.
17. Observe signs of irritation/ redness.
18. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
19. Document the procedure in patient’s chart.
TOTAL SCORE

Comment:
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Score: ____/19

Name of Student:                                                          ______ Date Performed:                      

                           (Signature Over Printed Name)
 

Evaluated by:                                                                 ______ Date of Evaluation:                 

                         (Signature Over Printed Name)