Title: Administer or assist the client with self-administration of 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.

Administration should include 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.
- Date and initial multi-use containers when opened.
- 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 gloves and wash your hands.
- Document in the MAR, per facility protocol.

Administration should include 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.

Administration should include 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.

Process/Skill Questions:

- Where should transdermal products be disposed of properly?
- Why should transdermal patch sites be rotated?