An older adult client is being treated for hemorrhoids and asks the nurse whether her topical ointment cream will interact with her other medications. What can the nurse tell her?

Question

a. The medication should have no interaction with the client's other medications, because this is absorbed locally at the site of the hemorrhoids.
b. Use the medication late at night after any other medications have worn off.
c. The medication is safe because the dose is weak.
d. The medication is systematically absorbed.

Answer 1

a. The medication should have no interaction with the client's other medications, because this is absorbed locally at the site of the hemorrhoids.
FEEDBACK: a. The medication should have no interaction with the client's other medications, because this is absorbed locally at the site of the hemorrhoids.
b. The time the medication is taken will not make a difference, because the absorption is not systemic. .
c. The dose is relevant because it affects the absorption of the medication. .
d. Ointments and creams are absorbed locally, directly at the site of the mucous membrane. Systemically absorbed drugs go directly into the systemic circulation and are distributed throughout the body. .