Administering Transdermal Medication

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of locking the medication cart before leaving it?

To comply with hospital staffing requirements

To ensure medications are easily accessible

To guard the patient’s medication supply (correct)

To prevent theft of medications

Which of the following is a method used to identify a patient before medication administration?

Patient's birth certificate

Nurse's personal knowledge of the patient

Patient's identification band name (correct)

Patient's room number

What should be done after preparing the medications for a patient?

Take the medications directly to the patient

Transport medications in a locked box

Store the meds until the patient is ready

Recheck the labels with the CMAR/MAR (correct)

How much time before or after the designated medication time is typically acceptable for administration?

30 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient’s identification band is missing or inaccurate?

Replace the identification band immediately Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind performing hand hygiene and using PPE before medication administration?

To prevent the spread of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a required action during medication administration?

Check the patient's pulse before administering medications Signup and view all the answers

What does CMAR stand for in the context of medication administration?

Computerized Medication Administration Record Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to check the patient's chart for allergies before medication administration?

To prevent potential allergic reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of performing hand hygiene before administering medication?

To prevent the spread of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What does the act of unlocking the medication cart ensure?

Prevents unauthorized access to medications Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to prepare medications for one patient at a time?

To avoid medication errors Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of reading and comparing the CMAR/MAR with the medication label?

To ensure the correct medication is being administered Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale for checking expiration dates on medication labels?

To avoid administering expired medications Signup and view all the answers

How often should the medication label be compared with the CMAR/MAR during administration?

Three times or more Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if calculations of medication dosages are required?

Verify calculations with another nurse Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of medication errors when using transdermal patches?

Applying multiple patches simultaneously Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following medications is NOT typically delivered via a transdermal patch?

Antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a filter needle was used during medication withdrawal?

Remove it and attach an appropriate administration device Signup and view all the answers

Who is NOT allowed to administer medication via a transdermal patch?

Nursing assistive personnel (NAP) Signup and view all the answers

What cosmetic advantage do clear patches have over other types?

They are less visible on the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical step after withdrawing the correct medication dose from a vial?

Discard any surplus medication immediately Signup and view all the answers

When might the third check of the medication label occur?

After withdrawing the correct dose from the vial Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to carefully analyze the patient's needs when delegating the administration of a transdermal patch?

To assess the skill level of the person receiving delegation Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take when preparing to administer medication to a patient?

Identify the patient by asking for their name and birth date. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to check the patient's allergy bracelet or ask about allergies?

To avoid potential allergic reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with an old transdermal patch before applying a new one?

Fold it in half with adhesive sides together. Signup and view all the answers

During the administration of medications, when should the third check of the label occur?

At the bedside, after identifying the patient. Signup and view all the answers

What must you assess regarding the patient's skin before applying a transdermal patch?

Condition of the skin for irritation or breakdown. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of scanning the patient’s bar code on the identification band?

To ensure that the right medication is given to the right patient. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to rotate application sites for transdermal patches?

To reduce the risk of skin irritation. Signup and view all the answers

What action protects the nurse when handling medications during application?

Putting on gloves. Signup and view all the answers

What should be done before applying a new transdermal patch?

Gently wash the area with soap and water Signup and view all the answers

What is recommended to avoid when handling the adhesive side of the patch?

Touching the adhesive side Signup and view all the answers

How long should you press the patch onto the skin for optimal adhesion?

10 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What should be used to document the administration of the medication?

A piece of medical tape Signup and view all the answers

What is a key reason for not writing directly on the medication patch?

Ink could interact with the medication Signup and view all the answers

Why is hand hygiene important after removing gloves?

It prevents the spread of microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

What should be evaluated after administering the medication?

Patient's response to the medication Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern with massaging the site where the patch is applied?

It may decrease the absorption of the medication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Administering Medication via the Transdermal Route

Medication is delivered via a disk or patch applied to the patient's skin.
Common uses for transdermal patches include hormones, opioid analgesics, cardiac medications, and nicotine.
Transdermal patches are often associated with medication errors due to multiple patch applications or failure to remove the overlay.
Clear patches are cosmetically advantageous but may be difficult to find on the patient's skin.
Opioid analgesic patches are the most common cause of adverse drug effects.

Administration of Medications Via a Transdermal Patch

The administration of transdermal patches is typically not delegated to nursing assistive personnel (NAP) or to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
Delegation to licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) may be considered based on the state's nurse practice act and organizational policies, but careful analysis of the patient's needs and circumstances should be done.

Nursing Roles in Medication Administration

Know the medications: Understand actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose ranges, purpose of administration, and adverse effects.
Verify the order: The CMAR/MAR is the legal document for each facility.
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands before administering medication to prevent the spread of microorganisms
Prepare medication: Organize the medication cart for safe and efficient administration.
Unlock medication cart or drawer: Secure the medication supply for each patient.
Prepare medications for one patient at a time: Prevent errors in medication administration.
Read the CMAR/MAR: This is the first check of the label to select the correct medication.
Compare the label with the CMAR/MAR: This is the second check of the label. Verify calculations and scan the bar code if required.
** Third check of the label**: This check ensures accuracy and helps prevent errors.
Lock the medication cart before leaving it: Secure the medication supply for each patient.
Transport medications carefully: Keep medications in sight at all times.
Administer medications at the correct time: Within a 30-minute window before or after the designated time.
Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE: Prevent the spread of microorganisms and follow transmission precautions.
Identify the patient: Use at least two methods to ensure the right patient receives the medication.
Complete necessary assessments: Before administering the medication, review allergies and explain the purpose and action of each medication to the patient.
Scan the patient's bar code: Provide an additional check to ensure the right patient receives the medication.
Third check of the label at the bedside: This ensures accuracy and helps to prevent errors.
Put on gloves: Protect the nurse handling the medication on the transdermal patch.
Assess the patient's skin: The patch should not be placed on irritated or broken down skin. Choose a clean, dry, and hairless site. Rotate application sites to reduce skin irritation.
Remove any old transdermal patches: Leaving old patches on while applying new ones may cause toxic drug levels. Fold patches in half with adhesive sides together and dispose of them according to facility policy. Wash the area with soap and water to remove all traces of medication.
Remove the patch from its protective covering: Do not touch the adhesive side to prevent altering the medication amount. Press firmly for 10 seconds to ensure the patch adheres to the patient's skin. Do not massage.
Date and time of administration: Write the information on medical tape and apply it near the patch. Do not write directly on the patch.
Remove gloves and additional PPE: Remove PPE properly to reduce the risk of infection transmission and contamination.
Document the administration: Document the medication administration immediately after it is completed.
Evaluate the patient's response: Evaluate the patient for therapeutic and adverse effects from the medication.

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Description

This quiz covers the administration of medications via transdermal patches, including their common uses and potential for medication errors. It also discusses the delegation of patch administration among healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of understanding state regulations and organizational policies.