A client has an order for a nitroglycerin transdermal patch. The best way to ensure proper administration of this medication is to:
apply it behind the ear.
place it over a hairy skin area.
rotate sites to avoid skin irritation.
put the initials on patch when applied.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Apply it behind the ear: This option is not correct. Nitroglycerin patches are typically applied to hairless areas of the skin to ensure proper adhesion and absorption. The preferred locations are usually the chest, upper arm, or thigh.
B) Place it over a hairy skin area: This action is inappropriate as hair can interfere with the adhesion of the patch and may affect absorption. It is essential to apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area for optimal effectiveness.
C) Rotate sites to avoid skin irritation: This is the correct action. Rotating the application site helps prevent skin irritation and allows for better absorption of the medication. It also reduces the risk of sensitization or reaction at any one site.
D) Put the initials on the patch when applied: While documenting the application is important, simply putting initials on the patch is not sufficient for ensuring proper administration. It is more crucial to ensure that the patch is applied correctly, and monitoring for skin integrity and effectiveness should be part of the nursing care plan.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Upward and back: This direction is appropriate for adults and older children but not for infants. The anatomy of an infant's ear canal requires a different approach for effective eardrop administration.
B) Upward and outward: This option is also incorrect for infants. Similar to option A, this technique does not effectively account for the anatomical differences in an infant's ear canal.
C) Downward and back: This is the correct action when administering eardrops to an infant. Pulling the auricle downward and back straightens the ear canal, allowing for better access to deeper structures and ensuring that the drops reach the intended area.
D) Downward and inward: This direction is not appropriate for straightening the ear canal. The correct technique is to pull downward and back to achieve the desired angle for effective administration of eardrops in infants.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Should not be swallowed because it alters the absorption potential: This is the correct explanation. Sublingual medications, such as nitroglycerin, are designed to be absorbed quickly through the mucous membranes under the tongue. Swallowing the medication can significantly reduce its effectiveness and delay absorption, which is crucial for medications used in acute situations like angina.
B) Can be held against the roof of the mouth with the tongue to reduce taste: This option is not correct. Holding the medication against the roof of the mouth does not facilitate the intended sublingual absorption and may not significantly mitigate the taste issue. The medication needs to dissolve under the tongue for effective absorption.
C) Can be inserted rectally without loss of absorption potential: This option is incorrect. Sublingual medications are formulated for absorption through the sublingual mucosa and would not provide the same effects if administered rectally. Different routes of administration have different absorption profiles.
D) Can be taken between the cheek and tongue to diminish taste: While this may help with taste, it does not achieve the desired sublingual absorption. For optimal effect, the medication should be held under the tongue, where it can dissolve and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream.