Question

The nurse is teaching a client about the proper use of transdermal patches. Which location will the nurse teach the client to apply the patch? (Select all that apply.)

a) upper arms
b) chest
c) behind knee
d) abdomen
e) foot
f) buttock

Answer 1

The correct locations for transdermal patch application include the upper arms, chest, abdomen, and buttock. These sites ensure proper medication absorption and minimize irritation. Sites behind the knee or on the foot should be avoided due to movement and potential for irritation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper locations for the application of a transdermal patch, according to the options provided, are: upper arms, chest, abdomen, and buttock. These sites allow for effective absorption of medication while minimizing irritation and movement of the patch.The nurse would advise against applying the patch behind the knee or on the foot as these areas can experience a lot of movement and friction, which may cause the patch to become loose or rub off. Additionally, the skin in these areas is often thinner or more sensitive, which can result in irritation or uneven medication delivery.

For the locations given as anatomical references, a transdermal patch should not be applied inferior to the gluteal region (f) because it is a high-motion area and may cause the patch to peel off. A patch should not be placed inferior to the umbilical region (b) or near sensitive areas like behind the knee (c, superior to the popliteal region) or the foot (e) for the reasons mentioned above. The other options, a (inferior to the gluteal region), c (superior to the cervical region), and d (superior to the popliteal region), are not typical locations for patch placement, and the terms do not correspond to the commonly used anatomical sites for transdermal patches.