Question

a nurse is assisting with teaching a newly licensed nurse about administering a transdermal nitroglycerin patch to a client. which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
place a new transdermal patch over the same site as an old patch.
apply no more than two transdermal patches at a time.
expect the transdermal medication to absorb rapidly.
wear clean gloves to apply the transdermal medication.

Explanation:

• For the option "Place a new transdermal patch over the same site as an old patch": Reusing the same site for a transdermal patch (like nitroglycerin) can cause skin irritation or reduced absorption. So this is incorrect.
• For the option "Apply no more than two transdermal patches at a time": The number of nitroglycerin transdermal patches applied at a time is not typically limited to two in this context, and this is not a standard instruction for nitroglycerin patch administration. So this is incorrect.
• For the option "Expect the transdermal medication to absorb rapidly": Transdermal medications, including nitroglycerin patches, are designed for slow, sustained release, not rapid absorption. So this is incorrect.
• For the option "Wear clean gloves to apply the transdermal medication": Wearing clean gloves when applying a transdermal patch is important. It prevents the nurse from absorbing the medication through their skin and also maintains a sterile environment for the client's skin. This is a correct instruction.

Answer:

D. Wear clean gloves to apply the transdermal medication.