Practice Question
Which factors can influence the absorption of topical (percutaneous) medications? (Select All that Apply.)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Duration of contact with the skin
Rationale:
🌿 Duration of contact with the skin
🌿 The longer the medication remains in contact with the skin surface, the greater the opportunity for the drug molecules to diffuse through the epidermis and reach systemic circulation.
🌿 Medications applied for extended periods—such as transdermal patches (e.g., fentanyl, nitroglycerin)—provide continuous absorption and maintain a stable therapeutic blood level.
🌿 Conversely, removing the medication too soon reduces the dose absorbed and may make the therapy ineffective.
🌿 This principle underscores the importance of following timing instructions precisely for percutaneous or transdermal applications.
🌿 Size of the affected area
🌿 The total surface area available for application directly affects the rate and amount of absorption. Larger areas allow for more medication molecules to cross through the skin barrier.
🌿 For example, applying a topical corticosteroid to a large surface area increases systemic absorption and risk for side effects compared to application on a small area.
🌿 Nurses must apply medication only to the prescribed region, as covering more skin may lead to overdosage or systemic toxicity.
🌿 The nurse should also ensure that the medication is spread evenly and thinly to ensure uniform absorption.
🌿 Hydration of the tissues
🌿 Well-hydrated skin has greater permeability because moisture softens the stratum corneum, allowing medication molecules to pass through more easily.
🌿 Dry or cracked skin can create an irregular barrier, resulting in inconsistent or decreased absorption.
🌿 For optimal results, some topical medications are applied after bathing when the skin is warm and hydrated, improving uptake.
🌿 Nurses should educate patients that maintaining skin hydration and integrity enhances the effectiveness of percutaneous drugs.
🌿 Drug concentration
🌿 A higher drug concentration creates a stronger diffusion gradient, allowing more medication to move from the surface into deeper tissue layers.
🌿 For example, a 2% hydrocortisone cream provides greater absorption than a 0.5% formulation when applied to the same area for the same duration.
🌿 However, higher concentrations can also increase the risk of local irritation or systemic effects, especially with potent drugs.
🌿 Nurses should always apply medications according to the prescribed concentration and caution patients against using more than directed, as “more” does not mean “better.”
Want to practice more questions like this?
This question is from ☑️ Custom-OTID Med Admin Cloned Assessment 1 which contains 50 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A patient receiving IV fluids reports swelling and coolness at the IV site. The IV fluid is not dripping properly, and the skin looks pale. What is the priority nursing action?
Answer Choices:
A nursing student accidentally selects a tuberculin syringe to administer insulin. What is the primary safety concern?
Answer Choices:
A nurse is evaluating a client’s understanding of their dry-powder inhaler (DPI). Which statement by the client indicates correct use?
Answer Choices:
A nurse is preparing to initiate a blood transfusion for an adult client. Which IV catheter gauge is most appropriate for this procedure?
Answer Choices:
Mrs. Green, age 38, reports using an over the counter (OTC) nasal decongestant spray every few hours for the past 10 days to manage her sinus congestion. She tells the nurse her nasal stuffiness now feels worse than before. Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
Answer Choices:
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Fundamentals of Nursing
- Answer Choices: 6