Before applying a new patch, the old patch should be removed, the skin around the old patch should be assessed, and the site for the patch cleansed and dried thoroughly. The skin around the patch should be monitored for any irritation or reaction to the medication or patch adhesive.
To properly administer a transdermal patch, a nurse should cleanse the skin with alcohol, apply the patch to a hairless area, press it firmly for adhesion, and rotate the application site to prevent irritation. These steps are crucial for effective medication delivery and skin safety.
In summary, you can achieve transdermal patch greatest effectiveness if you: guarantee adherence, perform a correct hygiene of the area, being constant in the application and avoiding heat sources. These general recommendations added to the medical indications will be the key to an effective treatment.
Nursing Considerations: Nicotine is a hazardous drug; use safe handling and disposal precautions. Apply one new patch every 24 hours on skin that is dry, clean, and hairless. Remove backing from patch and immediately press onto skin. Hold for 10 seconds.
When applying a new patch, the nurse should remove the clear plastic backing and take care to not touch the medication surface of the patch while placing it on the patient's skin. Patches should be placed on an appropriate skin area per manufacturer guidelines, such as the upper arms or on the chest.
Usual places to put the patch are the upper chest, upper arm, shoulder, back, or inner arm. Avoid putting the patch on areas of irritated, oily, scarred, or damaged skin. Remove the patch from the foil package, peel off the protective strips, and immediately apply the patch to your skin.
Staff should not:
Expose the application site to oils, creamy soaps or moisturisers. This may cause irritation or cause allergic reactions when the patch is applied. It may also prevent the patch from sticking to the skin. Shave the hair as this may irritate the skin.
If your client wears a medication patch, avoid massaging the area around the patch, and do not remove or move the patch at any time.
Before applying a transdermal patch, remove the old patch if it is still in place. Clean area thoroughly. Observe for signs of skin irritation at old patch and document as per agency policy. Not removing previous patch may result in overdose of the medication.
When assisting a resident to apply a transdermal patch, one should first ensure to remove the old patch as ordered. This is essential to prevent possible drug overdose, skin irritation, or undesired side effects. Next, cleaning the area where the patch will be applied is critical.
Use your fingernail to lift one corner of the contraceptive patch. Peel the patch and the plastic liner away from the pouch, then peel away half of the protective clear lining. Be careful not to cut, alter or damage the patch. Apply the sticky surface of the patch to your skin and remove the rest of the liner.
Apply the patch to clean, dry, hairless skin that is not irritated, scarred, burned, broken, or calloused. Choose a different area each day. You may shower while you are wearing a nitroglycerin skin patch.
An error in the administration technique of a transdermal patch is failing to clean and dry the application site properly before applying the patch. When administering a transdermal patch, it's essential to ensure that the site of application on the skin is clean and dried thoroughly.
The Duragesic® skin patch should not be used if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as after dental surgery or tonsil surgery. Do not use the patch for mild pain or pain that occurs only once in a while. Fentanyl is a strong opioid analgesic (pain medicine).
Irritant contact dermatitis is relatively common and can be reduced and treated by alternating patch application sites, moisturizing, gentle skin care, and application of topical corticosteroids at the previous patch sites if needed.
Nursing Considerations: Nicotine is a hazardous drug; use safe handling and disposal precautions. Apply one new patch every 24 hours on skin that is dry, clean, and hairless. Remove backing from patch and immediately press onto skin.
Dispose of it safely, out of the reach of children and pets. After removing the used patch, apply the next patch to a different skin area to prevent skin irritation. Never wear two patches at once. A switch to a lower strength patch may be considered after the first 2 weeks on the medication.