What safety measure should be taken when applying a fentanyl transdermal patch?

Wearing gloves is crucial when applying a fentanyl transdermal patch as it prevents direct contact with the medication, which can cause unintended systemic absorption and potential overdose in the healthcare provider. This practice is essential not only for the safety of the nurse but also to ensure that the medication is delivered effectively to the patient without any contamination or loss of dosage that could occur from handling the patch with bare skin.

Using alcohol to clean the area, while it may seem helpful for hygiene, isn't a standard recommendation because it can cause skin irritation and may affect how well the patch adheres. Applying the patch to a hairy area is typically avoided since body hair can impede adhesive properties and could potentially impact absorption. Lastly, placing the patch at the same site as the previous one can cause skin irritation or reduce the effectiveness of the medication as it may be applied to an area where the skin is already sensitized or has an accumulation of the drug from prior applications. Thus, the adherence to safety measures like wearing gloves is paramount in ensuring both the safety of the healthcare provider and the efficacy of the medication for the patient.