Why might a resident require a medication to be given via transdermal patch?

The requirement for a resident to receive medication via a transdermal patch primarily stems from the unique delivery mechanism it offers. This method allows for continuous medication delivery through the skin, which means that the medication can be absorbed steadily over a specified period. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining consistent therapeutic levels of the medication in the bloodstream, especially for medications that require prolonged effects or for individuals who may have difficulty with oral administration due to swallowing difficulties or gastrointestinal issues.

While ease of administration is a factor with transdermal patches, it is not the primary reason for their use compared to other methods, such as oral tablets or liquids. Improving the taste of the medication and ensuring faster absorption are not advantages of transdermal patches either; in fact, the absorption through the skin can be slower compared to other routes. Therefore, the continuous delivery mechanism through the skin makes option B the best choice regarding why a resident might require medication to be administered in this manner.