When would a nurse typically use a patch for medication administration?

Using a patch for medication administration is particularly suitable for continuous delivery of medication over an extended period. Transdermal patches are designed to release medication slowly and steadily through the skin into the bloodstream, allowing for consistent therapeutic levels without the need for frequent dosing. This method is effective for managing chronic conditions where a stable concentration of medication is needed, such as pain management or hormone replacement therapy.

In contrast, administering oral medications typically involves immediate ingestion and absorption through the gastrointestinal tract, which does not align with the gradual absorption provided by patches. Immediate relief of pain is often achieved through other rapid-acting routes such as intravenous or oral medications, which act quickly, instead of the slower onset that a patch would entail. Finally, while patches can be used for some localized treatments, they are primarily designed for systemic effects rather than just targeted delivery to a specific area of the skin. Therefore, the most fitting and effective use for a patch is its capability for continuous medication delivery.