RN Exam Practice
Pharmacological and Parenteral TherapiesQuestion 1719 of 2368

An older adult has less subcutaneous fat than a younger adult. Which effect on a transdermal patch should the nurse anticipate?

  1. Increased absorption of the medication
  2. Decreased absorption of the medication
  3. A faster onset of the medication
  4. No change because patches bypass body fat
Show answer

Correct answer: Decreased absorption of the medication

Transdermal patches need adequate subcutaneous fat stores for proper absorption, and older adults often have less subcutaneous fat.

Source: Nursing Pharmacology, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics: OLDER ADULT. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026