Pre Op Medications

Bactroban (mupirocin) — Classification

Topical antibacterial

Bactroban (mupirocin) — Action/Use

Reduces/eliminates Staphylococcus aureus

Bactroban (mupirocin) — Nursing Implications

Assess for allergy; apply as ordered for the full prescribed course to reduce surgical site infection risk

Bactroban (mupirocin) — Main Purpose

Reduce nasal Staphylococcus aureus/MRSA colonization before surgery

Chlorhexidine scrub — Classification

Antiseptic skin cleanser

Chlorhexidine scrub — Action/Use

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial skin prep used before surgery to reduce skin flora at the surgical site

Chlorhexidine scrub — Nursing Implications

Avoid eyes

Chlorhexidine scrub — Main Purpose

Reduce skin bacteria and surgical site infection risk

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) — Classification

Antihistamine (H1 blocker)

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) — Action/Use

Provides sedation and helps prevent/treat allergic reactions

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) — Nursing Implications

Causes drowsiness and dry mouth; use fall precautions; use caution in older adults due to anticholinergic effects and confusion

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) — Main Purpose

Sedation and prevention/treatment of allergic reactions

Bactroban (mupirocin) mechanism of action

Inhibits bacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase

Chlorhexidine scrub mechanism of action

Disrupts bacterial cell membranes

Benadryl (diphenhydramine) mechanism of action

Blocks histamine H1 receptors