Final answer:
The most important immediate action for the nurse when dealing with a transdermal fentanyl patch is to remove the old patch to prevent overdose. Withdrawal from psychoactive drugs can lead to severe symptoms, while methadone is used in heroin addiction treatment because it reduces withdrawal symptoms without producing a high.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the care of a patient with a transdermal fentanyl patch newly admitted to the hospital. Among the listed options, the most important immediate action for the nurse is to remove the old patch. This is crucial to prevent potential overdose from having multiple patches on at the same time if a new patch is applied. It's also important to manage and mitigate potential side effects such as constipation, teach about adverse reactions, and check the dose, but these are subsequent concerns after ensuring the patient isn't at immediate risk of overdose.
Possible Withdrawal Symptoms
Physical dependence on psychoactive drugs like fentanyl can lead to withdrawal symptoms when the drug usage is stopped. These symptoms may include, but are not limited to, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes, and uncontrollable leg movements.
Use of Methadone
Methadone is often prescribed to individuals with a heroin addiction because it can act as a substitute therapy. Methadone helps by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings in a controlled manner without producing the high that heroin does, thereby aiding in the treatment and recovery process.