Final answer:
Nurses must wear gloves when administering nitro paste, rotate and clean application sites, and measure the dose accurately. They should also be familiar with the patient's medical history and ensure proper disposal to prevent accidental exposure.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering topical nitroglycerin (often called nitro paste), nurses must exercise precautionary measures to ensure safety for both the patient and themselves. Topical nitroglycerin is used to prevent chest pain (angina) in patients with certain heart conditions, and it is crucial for nurses to apply it
- Ensure the use of protective barriers such as gloves to prevent absorption through the nurse’s skin, as nitroglycerin can be absorbed transdermally and affect the nurse’s cardiovascular system.
- Application sites should be rotated and cleaned before new applications to prevent skin irritation and ensure consistent drug absorption.
- It's also important to measure the dose accurately using the paper scale provided with the medication and to follow specific patient directions regarding the site of application.
Prior to administration, nurses should also be aware of the patient's medical history and current medications to avoid any adverse interactions. After applying the paste, all materials used should be disposed of properly to prevent accidental contact with the medication by others.