Question

A patient has been given a prescription for transdermal scopolamine patches (Transderm-Scop) for motion sickness for use during a vacation cruise. The nurse will include which instructions? select all that apply

a. "Apply the patch as soon as you board the ship."
b. "Apply the patch 3 to 4 hours before boarding the ship."
c. "The patch needs to be placed on a nondairy area just upper chest or upper arm."
d. "The patch needs to be placed on a nondairy area just behind your ear."
e. "Change the patch every 3 days."
f. "Rotate the application sites."

Answer 1

Instructions for using transdermal scopolamine patches include applying 4 hours before boarding the ship, placing the patch behind the ear on a hairless area, changing the patch every 3 days, and rotating the application sites.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient has been given a prescription for transdermal scopolamine patches (Transderm-Scop) for motion sickness to use during a vacation cruise. When providing instructions to the patient on the use of the patches, the following should be included:

• "Apply the patch 4 hours before boarding the ship."
• "The patch needs to be placed on a hairless area just behind your ear."
• "Change the patch every 3 days."
• "Rotate the application sites."

These instructions ensure proper usage and effectiveness of the patch, while helping to minimize skin irritation by rotating application sites. It is crucial to apply the patch 4 hours before boarding to begin receiving the therapeutic effects of scopolamine before motion exposure. Additionally, changing the patch every 3 days maintains the drug's effectiveness during the cruise.