A nurse in a long-term care facility is planning care for several clients. Which of the following activities should the nurse delegate to the licensed practical nurse (LPN)?

Choice A rationale:

Washing hands for 5 to 10 seconds prior to administering medication is indeed an important safety measure, but it is not specifically related to changing or applying a transdermal patch. Hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infection, but it doesn't directly address the process of applying a patch.

Choice B rationale:

Applying the patch over a non-hairy area within the patient's skin is the correct answer. This is crucial because hair can interfere with the adhesion of the patch, leading to inadequate drug absorption. The rationale behind this is to ensure that the medication is effectively delivered through the skin into the bloodstream without any barriers such as hair. It's also important to choose a site that is clean, dry, and free from cuts or irritation.

Choice C rationale:

Leaving the previous medication patch in place is not recommended. It's essential to remove the old patch before applying a new one to prevent accumulation of the medication and to ensure accurate dosing. Failing to remove the previous patch could lead to an overdose or altered drug effects.

Choice D rationale:

Ensuring that the patient is lying down is not a specific safety measure for changing or applying a transdermal patch. The patient's position doesn't directly impact the effectiveness of the patch or the safety of the application process.

Choice A rationale:

Placing the cuff bladder over the client's brachial artery is a correct action when obtaining a blood pressure reading. This choice demonstrates proper cuff placement, which is essential for an accurate measurement.

Choice B rationale:

Placing the client's arm above the level of the client's heart is an incorrect action when obtaining a blood pressure reading. The client's arm should be supported at heart level to ensure accurate measurement. This choice indicates a need for further instruction as it could lead to an artificially low blood pressure reading.

Choice C rationale:

Wrapping the blood pressure cuff snugly around the client's arm is a correct action when obtaining a blood pressure reading. This choice demonstrates proper cuff application, which is necessary for accurate results.

Choice D rationale:

Checking the instrument gauge to ensure the reading starts at zero is a correct action when obtaining a blood pressure reading. This choice reflects a proper step to verify that the equipment is calibrated correctly.