A practical nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled transdermal medication patch to a client. Arrange the following steps for administration in the correct chronological order.
- 1Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves.
- 2Remove the previously applied patch and cleanse the skin area.
- 3Select a new, clean, and hairless site for application.
- 4Apply the new patch and press firmly to ensure adherence.
- 5Document the administration, including the site, date, and time.
Answer
The correct sequence is to first perform hand hygiene and don gloves, then remove the old patch and clean the area, followed by selecting a new site, applying the new patch, and finally documenting the administration.
Transdermal patch administration must follow a logical safety sequence. First, the nurse protects themselves by performing hand hygiene and donning gloves. Second, the nurse removes the old patch and cleanses the skin to prevent an accidental overdose. Third, the nurse selects a new site to prevent skin irritation. Fourth, the new patch is applied and secured. Finally, the nurse documents the procedure to ensure clear communication with the healthcare team.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The safe and systematic administration of transdermal medications requires preventing self-exposure, avoiding overdose by removing the old patch first, and ensuring proper site rotation.