The patient is taking low-dose aspirin daily for his heart. The nurse knows only a portion of the medication taken actually reaches the tissue due to what process?

a) Encouraging self-application is beneficial in some cases, but it is not always appropriate. The nurse must ensure the medication is applied correctly and safely, especially if the patient has mobility or cognitive impairments.

b) Wearing treatment gloves is important when handling certain medications, but it is not required for all topical applications. Some medications, such as nitroglycerin ointment, require gloves to prevent nurse exposure, but others do not.

c) Changing gloves between skin preparation and medication application is not a universal requirement. In most cases, the same pair of gloves can be used unless contamination occurs.

d) Performing effective hand hygiene before and after applying the medication is the most essential action to prevent infection and cross-contamination.

A. The FDA is responsible for regulating and ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, medical devices, and other health-related products. All medications must undergo rigorous scientific testing and approval processes overseen by the FDA before they can be marketed to the public.
B. The DEA regulates controlled substances and enforces laws related to drug abuse, but it does not control the scientific testing of medications.
C. The CDC focuses on public health and disease prevention, not the regulation or testing of medications.
D. The Joint Commission accredits healthcare organizations but does not directly oversee the scientific testing of medications.