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 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Cerumen or drainage is occluding the ear canal: While cerumen or drainage can cause discomfort, it is less likely to be the direct cause of dizziness following the administration of eardrops. Dizziness is more commonly associated with changes in pressure or temperature in the ear.
B) Too much pressure was applied during instillation, with subsequent injury to the eardrum: Although excessive pressure can lead to injury, the immediate symptom of dizziness after eardrop administration is more closely related to other factors, particularly temperature or positioning.
C) The client failed to remain in the side-lying position long enough: This option is incorrect because not maintaining the position may affect medication absorption but is unlikely to cause immediate dizziness and nausea.
D) The medication was too cold when it was administered: This is the most likely cause of the dizziness. Cold eardrops can cause a rapid change in temperature within the ear canal, potentially stimulating the vestibular system and leading to dizziness or vertigo. It is generally recommended to warm eardrops to body temperature before administration to minimize this risk.