Introduction
Throat infection can be minimized by saltwater gargling and intake of medication, but sometimes throat painting is needed to control the infection.
Definition
Throat paints are medicated solutions usually applied to the mucous membranes of the throat to relieve throat congestion/inflammation. These medications often have a volatile solvent that evaporates quickly to leave a dry film of medicament.
Purposes
- To ease ulcers of the throat.
- To reduce pain of the throat.
- To eliminate throat infections.
- To boost overall immune function.
- To apply local anesthesia.
- To relieve throat congestion and inflammation.
Indications
- Tonsillitis.
- Pharyngitis.
- Laryngitis.
Contraindication
- Allergy to iodine.
Types
- Compound iodine paint (Mandl’s Paint).
- Crystal violet paint-used for thrush.
- Phenol glycerin (diluted with equal volume of glycerin to reduce its causticity).
- Tannic acid glycerin.
Articles
| Articles | Purposes |
| Throat paint (Composition): | |
| Potassium iodide 25 g | To make iodine soluble in water. |
| Iodine 12.5 g | Penetrates in pores and has germicidal effect. |
| Alcohol 90% (v/v) 40 mL | Acts as preservative. |
| Water 25 mL | Acts as solvent. |
| Peppermint oil 4 mL. | Flavoring agent. |
| Glycerol up to 1000 mL | Prolongs the effect of medicament. |
| Brush | To apply the medication. |
| Headlight/spotlight | To view oropharynx. |
| Tongue depressor | To depress the tongue. |
Procedure
| Nursing Action | Rationale | |
| 1. | Preparation | |
| Potassium iodide is dissolved in water. | For the application of medication. | |
| lodine is added in the concentrated potassium iodide solutions to form Kl3 (or higher iodides). | ||
| Peppermint oil is dissolved in alcohol 90% (v/v) and the alcoholic solution is added to the iodine solution. | ||
| Volume is made up with glycerin. | ||
| 2. | Packaging | |
| A wide-mouthed, fluted, light-resistant, screw-capped, glass jar is used. | For storage of the medication. | |
| Dispense in amber-colored bottle. | ||
| A wax card liner is used for screw caps (because iodine attacks other materials). | ||
| Since glycerin is hygroscopic solvent, it must be stored in tightly closed container. | ||
| A small quantity of sodium citrate or acetate is added as preservative for longer time. | ||
| 3. | Direction | |
| Position the patient in sitting position. | Provides easy access to do throat painting. | |
| Wash hands. | To prevent nosocomial infection. | |
| Adjust the headlight or spotlight. | Gives clear view of the throat. | |
| Take the medicine with the brush. | For applying on required area. | |
| Ask the patient to open mouth and say “ah”. | Gives view of oropharynx. | |
| Depress the tongue using tongue depressor. | To get clear view of the throat. | |
| Paint the throat with the brush. | Applies medication. | |
| 4. | Wash hands. | Prevents cross-infection. |
| 5. | Evaluate for any discomfort and assess the patient’s response to the procedure. | To monitor for adverse effects if any. |
| 6. | Record the time, type of paint, appearance of the throat, and for any discomfort or adverse effects, and the patient’s response to procedure. | For further planning of care. |
Special Consideration
- Iodine-based paints may be contraindicated in thyroid disorders or pregnancy
- Anesthetics should be used cautiously in children or those with swallowing difficulties
- Avoid triggering the gag reflex or causing mucosal trauma
- Monitor for dry mouth, dysphagia, or sensitivity to alcohol-based solutions
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwers, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
- Adrianne Dill Linton, Medical-Surgical Nursing, 8th Edition, 2023, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323826716
- Donna Ignatavicius, Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care, 11th Edition ,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323878265
- Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing, 12th Edition,2024, Elsevier Publications, ISBN: 978-0323789615
- AACN Essentials of Critical Care Nursing, 5th Ed. Sarah. Delgado, 2023, Published by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses ISBN: 978-1264269884.
- Ernstmeyer K, Christman E, editors. Nursing Fundamentals [Internet]. 2nd edition. Eau Claire (WI): Chippewa Valley Technical College; 2024. PART IV, NURSING PROCESS. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK610818/
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