When assisting a resident with a transdermal patch, what should you do first?

When assisting a resident with a transdermal patch, the first step should always be to remove the old patch first. This is crucial because the old patch may still contain a significant amount of medication that can affect the resident if not properly removed before applying a new patch. Failing to remove it can lead to an overdose of the medication, potentially causing adverse effects.

Once the old patch is removed, the skin should be cleaned appropriately, typically with soap and water, and allowed to dry before applying a new patch to ensure proper adhesion and effectiveness of the medication. The process is systematic to ensure the safety and well-being of the resident. Applying a new patch without removing the old one or adequately preparing the skin can compromise the resident’s health and the effectiveness of the medication delivered through the patch.