A nurse is applying a nitroglycerin transdermal patch for a client who has angina. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin.
Apply a 4x4 dressing over the patch.
Apply the patch to the same site every 24 hr.
Apply the patch to a bony prominence on the chest.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
Apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin is correct. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied to a clean, hairless area of the skin to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Hair can interfere with the patch's adherence and the absorption of nitroglycerin into the bloodstream. The site chosen should be rotated to prevent skin irritation or tolerance development. Commonly used areas include the chest, upper arms, or torso, but it's important to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Apply a 4x4 dressing over the patch is incorrect. Covering the nitroglycerin patch with a dressing may interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. These patches are designed to be applied directly to the skin without covering.
Choice C Reason:
Apply the patch to the same site every 24 hr is incorrect. Repeatedly applying the patch to the same site increases the risk of skin irritation or tolerance to the medication. It's crucial to rotate patch sites to avoid these issues.
Choice D Reason:
Apply the patch to a bony prominence on the chest is incorrect. Nitroglycerin patches should not be placed on bony prominences because these areas can be uncomfortable and may not provide optimal absorption. Instead, they are typically applied to relatively flat, hairless areas of the skin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Giving the prescribed dose of clindamycin is not appropriate due to the reported penicillin allergy, which increases the risk of an allergic reaction.
Choice B Reason:
Obtain a prescription for an alternative antibiotic is correct. Given the client's reported allergy to penicillin, which is in the same antibiotic class as clindamycin (both are antibiotics that belong to the beta-lactam group), there is a higher risk of cross-reactivity and potential allergic reaction. Therefore, it's important to avoid administering clindamycin in such cases and seek an alternative antibiotic that does not have a similar chemical structure to penicillin to prevent an allergic reaction.
Choice C Reason:
Premeditating the client with epinephrine before administering the antibiotic is not a standard practice in this context. Epinephrine is used to treat severe allergic reactions but is not used as a preventive measure before administering antibiotics.
Choice D Reason:
Administering the clindamycin using a desensitization schedule might be an option in certain situations under the guidance of an allergist or immunologist, but it's not typically performed by nurses and requires a specific protocol and expertise in managing drug allergies. Obtaining an alternative antibiotic is a more appropriate and immediate action to avoid the risk of an allergic reaction in this scenario.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Determine factors that led to the omission. Understanding why the dosage was missed is crucial. Was there a specific reason such as an interruption, conflicting priorities, or confusion in the medication schedule? Identifying these factors can help prevent future omissions and improve the medication administration process.
Choice B Reason:
File an incident report. If the missed dosage poses any potential risk or deviation from the prescribed treatment plan, it's important to document the incident through an incident report. This ensures transparency and allows the healthcare team to address and learn from the situation.
Choice C Reason:
Report the missed dosage to the client's provider. Informing the client's healthcare provider about the missed dosage is crucial. The provider can assess the situation and provide guidance on whether any adjustments or additional steps are necessary to ensure the client's well-being.
Choice D Reason:
Assess the client for adverse reactions. Monitoring the client for any adverse reactions or changes in their condition is essential after a missed dosage. This observation helps detect any potential effects of the missed medication and allows for prompt intervention if needed.
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