vaginal instillation of medication, the instillation of a medicated cream, suppository, or gel into the vagina, usually to treat a local infection of the vagina or uterine cervix. ▪ METHOD: The woman voids before the treatment. She then lies back, recumbent or semirecumbent. The nurse or other designated health care provider, wearing gloves, separates the labia majora, exposing the vaginal orifice. The medication is instilled gently. A cream or gel is squeezed into an applicator from a tube and is then placed in the vagina by depressing the plunger of the applicator while withdrawing the device from the vagina. A tablet or suppository is usually placed in the vagina near the cervix with another style of applicator that holds the medication in a slotted receptacle at its tip. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: The woman remains recumbent after the instillation to prevent escape of the medication from the vagina. Most applicators may be washed after each instillation and reused for the same woman for the next dose. They are discarded after a course of treatment.
