Administration should include
- knowledge of the purpose of transdermal medicines to release medication over a specific period of time
- following the procedures for administering transdermal medications:
- Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
- Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
- Wash your hands.
- Put on gloves.
- Remove any/all previous patches of the same medication.
- Prepare the skin—should be clean and dry and on a hairless (not shaved) part of the body
- Apply the patch firmly to the skin; apply firm pressure with the palm or heel of the hand until the patch is securely in place (about 10 seconds).
- Write the date, time, and your initials on the patch.
- Discard any used patches removed prior to before applying the new patch by folding the old patch in half with the adhesive sides touching.
- Remove and properly dispose of glove and wash your hands.
- Document accurately in the MAR.
- knowledge of special considerations for the administration of transdermal medications:
- Keep the patch dry unless instructed by the HCP that the patch may get wet.
- Avoid applying patches to hairy parts of the body.
- Unless instructed to do otherwise, apply the patch at the same time every day.
- Inspect the skin for redness, blistering, rash, or other signs of allergic reaction.
- Attempt to reapply if the patch becomes dislodged; if unable to do so, notify the HCP for instructions.
- knowledge of sites for transdermal medications:
- Nitroglycerin patches are usually applied to the chest
- Estradiol or hormone patches are usually applied to the buttocks or abdomen
- Application sites should be rotated to prevent skin irritation
- The site should be documented on the MAR according to facility policy.