A nurse is preparing to apply a transdermal nicotine patch for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Wearing gloves prevents nicotine absorption through the nurse’s skin during patch application, ensuring safety and preventing side effects like dizziness. This adheres to standard precautions, critical for occupational health, maintaining hygiene, and ensuring effective nicotine therapy for clients in smoking cessation programs. Choice B reason: Removing the previous patch is correct but placing it in tissue is inadequate; it should be folded and disposed in a sharps container. Assuming tissue disposal is sufficient risks improper handling, potentially exposing others to nicotine, critical to avoid in safe patch management. Choice C reason: Applying the patch within 1 hour of pouch removal is unnecessary; patches remain stable longer. Wearing gloves is priority. Assuming time restriction risks rushed application, potentially compromising technique, critical to prevent in ensuring safe and effective nicotine patch therapy for smoking cessation. Choice D reason: Shaving hairy areas risks skin irritation; trimming is preferred before patch application. Wearing gloves is essential. Assuming shaving is correct risks skin damage, reducing patch adhesion, critical to avoid in ensuring proper application and effective nicotine delivery in smoking cessation therapy.