Nursing Procedure Checklist

Applying a Transdermal Patch

Instruction: Check under Correctly Done if identified skill is correctly Correctly Incorrectly Not Done
performed; Incorrectly Done if skill is not performed correctly; and Not Done Done
Done if the student failed to perform the skill.
PROCEDURE

1. Gather equipment. Check medication order against the original

physician’s order according to agency policy. Clarify any inconsistencies.
Check the patient’s chart for allergies.
2. Know the actions, special nursing considerations, safe dose
ranges, purpose of administration, and adverse effects of the
medications to be administered. Consider the appropriateness of
the medication for the patient.
3. Perform hand hygiene.
4. Prepare medications for one patient at a time.
5. Read the MAR and select the proper medication from patient’s
medication drawer or unit stock.
6. Compare the label with the MAR (Medication Administration
Record). Check expiration dates and perform calculations, if
necessary.
7. When all medication for one have been prepared, recheck the
label with the MAR before taking them to the patient. And return
the medication stock to patient’s drawer.
8. Transport the medications to the patient’s bedside carefully,
and keep the medications in sight at all times.
9. Ensure that the patient receives the medications at the correct
time.
10. Identify the patient; usually, the patient should be identified
using two methods. Compare information with the MAR:
a. Check the name on the patient’s identification band
b. If the patient cannot identify him/ herself, verify the patient’s
identification to the significant others.
11. Complete necessary assessments before administering
medications. Check allergy bracelet or ask patient about allergies.
Explain the purpose and action of each medication to the patient.
12. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
13. Assess the patient’s skin where patch is to be placed, looking
for any signs of irritation or breakdown. Site should be clean, dry,
and free of hair. Rotate application sites as per doctor’s order.
14. Remove any old transdermal patches from the patient’s skin.
Cut into half or fold the old patch in half with adhesive sides
sticking together and discard according to hospital policy. Gently
wash the area where the old patch was with soap and water.
Ensure the gloved hand is thoroughly dry before holding the new
patch.
15. Remove the patch form its protective covering. Write your
initials and the date and time of administration on the label side
of the patch.
 Nursing Procedure Checklist

16. Remove the covering on the patch without touching the

medication surface. Apply the patch to the patient’s skin. Use the
palm of your hand to press firmly for about 10 second. Do not
massage.
17. Remove gloves and perform hand hygiene.
18. Evaluate patient’s response to medication with appropriate
time frame.
19. Document the procedure in patient’s chart.
TOTAL SCORE

Comment:
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Score: ____/19

Name of Student:                                                          ___________ Date Performed:                      _______

                                (Signature Over Printed Name)
 

Evaluated by:                                                                 ___________ Date of Evaluation:                ________ 

                                (Signature Over Printed Name)