Question

To ensure safety while administering a nitroglycerine patch, the nurse should: A. Wear gloves B. Shave the area where the patch will be applied C. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and rinse with hot water D. Apply the patch to the buttocks

Short answer

Answer: A. Wear gloves.

Step-by-step solution

Rule out answers that may not ensure safety

We can immediately rule out option D, as applying the patch to the buttocks does not necessarily ensure safety. We are left with options A, B, and C.

Consider the necessity of shaving and washing the area

We can eliminate option B as shaving the area is not necessary for safety. In fact, shaving might cause irritation to the skin, which may not be safe. Washing the area thoroughly (option C) can be helpful for better adhesion of the patch, but it should not involve hot water, which can cause skin irritation. The use of soap may also introduce skin irritants, so we can also eliminate option C.

Assess the importance of wearing gloves

Option A, wearing gloves, is a standard safety practice for nurses when handling medications. Wearing gloves protects both the nurse and the patient from any accidental exposure, cross-contamination, or allergic reactions. It is especially important when administering nitroglycerine patches, as the medication can cause side effects if accidentally absorbed by the nurse.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each option, the correct answer is A. Wear gloves. This ensures the safety of both the nurse and the patient while administering a nitroglycerine patch.

Key concepts

Nursing Safety Protocols

Ensuring the safety of both patients and nurses is fundamental in any healthcare setting. Nursing safety protocols are a collection of guidelines designed to minimize risk and prevent harm. During medical procedures like the administration of a nitroglycerine patch, it is essential for nurses to adhere to these protocols for protection against unnecessary exposure to medications that could have harmful effects if not handled properly.

One crucial aspect of these safety measures is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves. Gloves act as a barrier between the nurse's skin and the medication, preventing the absorption of drugs like nitroglycerine, which could result in the nurse experiencing adverse effects such as dizziness or headaches. Moreover, these protocols also form a defense against potential cross-contamination that could affect patient safety.

Medication Administration

The process of medication administration is a key responsibility for nurses and requires attention to detail to ensure accuracy and safety. This encompasses verifying the correct dosage, the right patient, the appropriate route of administration, and timing, often summarized as the 'Five Rights' of medication administration. When applying a medication patch, the nurse must ensure that the patch adheres well and that the medication is absorbed correctly.

Application Site Considerations

It's not only the method of application that matters but also the preparation of the site where the patch will be placed. For instance, shaving the area might be necessary for patches that require direct skin contact without hair interference, but this should be done with caution to avoid skin irritation. Likewise, cleaning the area is important but must be done without causing harm, thus avoiding the use of potentially irritating substances or extreme temperatures.

Nurse Patient Safety

Maintaining nurse patient safety is a shared goal in healthcare. This encompasses protecting the physical and emotional well-being of both the nurse and the patient during any procedure. Advanced safety measures include correct handling and disposal of materials used, proper documentation, and monitoring for adverse reactions.

Nurses' awareness of potential risks associated with medication administration, like those involved with a nitroglycerine patch, allows for proactive safety management. Gloves, for instance, while seemingly simple, play a significant role in ensuring nurses do not absorb medication meant for patients, which could impair the nurse’s ability to provide further care.

In patient safety, attention to detail, like the placement of a patch, contributes to effective treatment. Misplacement could lead to suboptimal medication absorption or even injury, highlighting the importance of nurse training and adherence to predefined safety protocols.