Which action should a nurse take when applying a nicotine transdermal patch?

The correct action when applying a nicotine transdermal patch is to date, time, and initial the patch before applying it. This practice is essential for several reasons. It ensures proper documentation, allowing for monitoring of the patient’s adherence to the treatment regimen and prevents the risk of applying additional patches too soon. This is particularly important with a nicotine patch, as applying more than one patch or applying a new patch before the previous one has been on for the appropriate duration can lead to nicotine toxicity.

Marking the patch with the date, time, and initials also provides important information for other healthcare providers, ensuring effective communication in a team setting and maintaining accountability in patient care. This systematic approach helps in managing dosage appropriately and maximizing the efficacy of the treatment while minimizing the risk of side effects.