Question

A nurse is caring for a client with scabies. The client has been prescribed a drug that has a topical route of administration. What should the nurse tell the client regarding the administration of the drug?

a) It has to be swallowed.
b) It has to be applied on the skin.
c) It has to be injected.
d) It has to be inhaled.

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that a drug prescribed with a topical route of administration for scabies should be applied directly onto the skin.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client has been prescribed a drug with a topical route of administration for the treatment of scabies, the nurse should inform the client that the medication has to be applied on the skin. A topical medication is not meant to be swallowed, injected, or inhaled.

It is specifically designed for direct application to the affected area of the skin where it acts locally rather than systemically. This is often the preferred method for treating skin conditions and superficial skin infections as it delivers the medication directly to the site of infection, where it can work effectively.