A nurse is teaching a client about using transdermal scopolamine to treat motion sickness.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A.
“Store unused patches in the refrigerator.”
B.
“Apply the patch prior to traveling.”
C.
“Place the patch on your upper arm.”
D.
“Replace a dislodged patch onto the same location.”
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. “Apply the patch prior to traveling.”
Explanation:
Transdermal scopolamine is a medication used to prevent motion sickness. It is delivered through a patch that is applied to the skin. For the patch to be effective, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines regarding its application and use.
Application Timing: The patch should be applied at least 4 hours before traveling, but it is generally recommended to apply it the night before or 24 hours before travel to ensure that the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream and starts working effectively. This timing allows the medication to reach therapeutic levels and prevent symptoms of motion sickness.
Storage: Scopolamine patches should be stored at room temperature, away from excessive heat or moisture. Refrigeration is not necessary and could potentially affect the patch’s effectiveness. Therefore, option A (“Store unused patches in the refrigerator”) is incorrect.
Application Site: The recommended application site for scopolamine patches is behind the ear, not the upper arm. The behind-the-ear area provides a consistent and effective absorption site for the medication. Therefore, option C (“Place the patch on your upper arm”) is incorrect.
Dislodged Patch: If a patch becomes dislodged, it should be replaced with a new one, rather than reapplying the same dislodged patch to the same location. Reapplying a dislodged patch may result in reduced efficacy and potential irritation. Therefore, option D (“Replace a dislodged patch onto the same location”) is incorrect.
In summary, the key instruction for using transdermal scopolamine effectively is to apply the patch well before the onset of motion sickness, making option B the correct choice.