A client with a history of angina is prescribed a daily nitroglycerin transdermal patch. Place the following steps for administering this transdermal medication in the correct chronological order.
- 1Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves.
- 2Remove the existing transdermal patch and fold it with the adhesive sides together.
- 3Cleanse the previous application site and the newly selected site with mild soap and water.
- 4Peel the protective backing from the new patch without touching the medication surface.
- 5Apply the patch to a clean, hairless area of the upper body and press firmly.
Answer
The correct sequence requires the nurse to first protect themselves by putting on gloves, then remove the old patch, clean both sites, prepare the new patch without touching the adhesive, and finally apply it securely to a new site.
Applying a transdermal patch requires sequential steps to ensure client safety and protect the nurse. The nurse must first put on gloves to avoid absorbing the medication. Next, the old patch is removed and disposed of to prevent an overdose. The skin at both the old and new sites is washed to remove residual medication and ensure proper adhesion. The backing of the new patch is then peeled off carefully, avoiding the adhesive. Finally, the patch is applied to a clean, hairless site and pressed firmly to secure it.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Safe Administration of Transdermal Medications