Title: Administer transdermal products.
Course: Medication Aide (14051-36) > Section: Examining Administration of Prepared Instillations and Treatments

Administration should include

- knowledge of the purpose of transdermal medicines to release medication over a specific period of time
- following the procedures for administering transdermal medications:
  - Provide for client privacy and explain the procedure.
  - Verify the medication order for accuracy with the MAR and read the label three times.
  - Wash your hands.
  - Put on gloves.
  - Remove any/all previous patches of the same medication.
  - Prepare the skin—should be clean and dry and on a hairless (not shaved) part of the body
  - Apply the patch firmly to the skin; apply firm pressure with the palm or heel of the hand until the patch is securely in place (about 10 seconds).
  - Write the date, time, and your initials on the patch.
  - Discard any used patches removed prior to before applying the new patch by folding the old patch in half with the adhesive sides touching.
  - Remove and properly dispose of glove and wash your hands.
  - Document accurately in the MAR.

- knowledge of special considerations for the administration of transdermal medications:
  - Keep the patch dry unless instructed by the HCP that the patch may get wet.
  - Avoid applying patches to hairy parts of the body.
  - Unless instructed to do otherwise, apply the patch at the same time every day.
  - Inspect the skin for redness, blistering, rash, or other signs of allergic reaction.
  - Attempt to reapply if the patch becomes dislodged; if unable to do so, notify the HCP for instructions.

- knowledge of sites for transdermal medications:
  - Nitroglycerin patches are usually applied to the chest
  - Estradiol or hormone patches are usually applied to the buttocks or abdomen
  - Application sites should be rotated to prevent skin irritation
  - The site should be documented on the MAR according to facility policy.