What should a nurse do if a fentanyl transdermal patch has fallen off?

If a fentanyl transdermal patch has fallen off, it is important to first help the client locate the old patch. This is because the patch may still contain some medication, which could potentially be reattached to provide relief. If the old patch is found and reattached correctly, it may allow for continued pain management without the need to administer a new patch or additional doses of medication, reducing the risk of overdose.

In situations where the old patch is not found or cannot be reapplied, it's crucial to consider how to address the client's pain management safely. This option highlights the importance of assessing the situation first before intervening with new patches or medication, as safety and patient care are paramount.

Other options might suggest administering a new patch immediately, which could lead to an overdose if the client does not need additional medication at that time. Observing the client for side effects is important after medication is given, but it does not address the immediate need to correctly manage the transdermal delivery system. Recording the incident is a necessary action for documentation but does not directly affect the client's immediate care needs regarding pain management. Thus, locating and addressing the original patch provides the best immediate course of action.