In using the "six rights" of medication administration, the nurse knows that in administering a dermal patch, she should do which of the following?

Question

a. Record the date and time of the patch, and instruct the client to do the same at home.
b. Instruct the client to apply the patch.
c. Instruct the client to change the patches as often as needed.
d. Ask the client to read the instructions on the box for an explanation.

Answer 1

a. Record the date and time of the patch, and instruct the client to do the same at home.
FEEDBACK
a. Record the date and time of the patch, and instruct the client to do the same at home. Typically, many dermal patch preparations are used for slow continuous absorption over a 24-hour period; there are, however, short absorbed medications requiring more frequent changes. Timing and dating the patch allows the client and the nurse to adhere to the time frequency safely.
b. Only instructing the client to apply the patch could cause confusion regarding frequency and lead to undertreatment or overdose.
c. Changing the patches as often as needed may lead to overdose of the medication.
d. Allowing the client to read the instruction on the box for an explanation is helpful; however, a verbal explanation will allow the client to ask questions and allow the nurse to assess the client's level of understanding.