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Difficulty: EasyPharmacological Therapies

A practical nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed transdermal nitroglycerin patch to a client with a history of angina. Arrange the following steps for applying the patch in the correct chronological order.

  1. 1Perform hand hygiene and put on a pair of clean gloves.
  2. 2Remove the previously applied patch and gently wipe the old site.
  3. 3Write the date, time, and your initials on the outside of the new patch.
  4. 4Apply the new patch to a clean, hairless area of the skin on the chest or upper arm.
  5. 5Press firmly over the new patch with the palm of the hand for about 10 seconds.

Answer

The correct sequence is: perform hand hygiene and don gloves, remove the old patch, label the new patch, apply the new patch to a hairless area, and finally press firmly to ensure adhesion.
Chronological adherence to safety checks is essential in transdermal medication administration. Donning gloves protects the nurse. Removing the old patch first prevents medication overdose. Labeling before application is more comfortable for the client. Finally, placing the patch on a hairless site and pressing it firmly guarantees proper absorption and adhesion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Perform hand hygiene and put on a pair of clean gloves.
The nurse's skin is protected.
Maintains standard precautions and prevents the nurse from absorbing the active medication during handling.
2
Remove the previously applied patch and gently wipe the old site.
The old medication source is eliminated.
Prevents medication toxicity and overdose from having multiple patches active simultaneously.
3
Write the date, time, and your initials on the outside of the new patch.
The new patch is properly documented.
Writing on the patch before applying it avoids applying uncomfortable pressure to the client's underlying tissue.
4
Apply the new patch to a clean, hairless area of the skin on the chest or upper arm.
The medication patch is placed on the client.
Hairless, clean skin ensures optimal and consistent transdermal absorption of the medication.
5
Press firmly over the new patch with the palm of the hand for about 10 seconds.
The patch is secured to the skin.
Heat and pressure from the hand help the adhesive stick properly to the skin.

Key Concept

Safe administration of transdermal medications
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Topics

Pharmacological Therapies

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