A nurse is planning to apply a transdermal analgesic cream prior to inserting an IV for a preschool-age child. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take? (Select all that apply)

A. Apply 4 to 5 ml of liquid soap to the hands: This is the correct action. Applying an adequate amount of soap ensures effective cleaning of the hands. The recommended amount is typically 3 to 5 ml or enough to cover the entire surface of the hands.
B. Hold the hands higher than the elbows: This is incorrect. When performing hand hygiene, the hands should be held lower than the elbows to prevent water from running down the arms and contaminating previously cleaned areas.
C. Rub hands and arms to dry: This is incorrect. After washing the hands, they should be dried using a clean paper towel or air dryer. Rubbing hands and arms to dry is not recommended as it can lead to friction and potential skin irritation.
D. Adjust the water temperature to feel hot: This is incorrect. The water temperature should be warm, not hot, to prevent skin damage or discomfort. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and lead to dryness or irritation.

A. Cleanse the skin prior to the procedure: Cleansing the skin before applying the transdermal analgesic cream is essential to remove any dirt, oils, or contaminants that could interfere with its absorption. This step helps ensure optimal drug delivery and effectiveness.
B. Apply the medication an hour before the procedure begins: Applying the transdermal analgesic cream an hour before the procedure allows sufficient time for the medication to be absorbed through the skin and reach its therapeutic effect. This timing ensures that the analgesic properties are in place when the IV insertion procedure starts.
C. Use a visual pain rating scale to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment: Using a visual pain rating scale can help assess the child's pain level before and after applying the transdermal analgesic cream. This evaluation provides valuable feedback on the cream's effectiveness in providing pain relief.
D. Apply to intact skin: Transdermal medications are designed to be absorbed through intact skin. Applying the cream to intact skin ensures proper absorption and effectiveness of the analgesic medication.
E. Spread the cream over the lateral surface of both forearms. This option might not be necessary or appropriate for the intended purpose. The choice of application site for transdermal analgesic cream depends on the specific medication and the area of pain. While the lateral surface of the forearms can be a suitable site, it may not always be necessary or feasible to apply the cream to both forearms, especially if the intended IV insertion site is on one arm.