A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin to treat angina pectoris. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Applying the transdermal patch in the same location as the previous patch is not recommended, as it may cause skin irritation or decrease effectiveness. The patch should be rotated to different areas to allow the skin to recover and prevent irritation. B. It is recommended to apply the transdermal patch in the morning to allow it to work throughout the day. Nitroglycerin patches are often worn for 12-14 hours and should be removed before bedtime to allow for a nitrate-free period to reduce tolerance. C. Transdermal nitroglycerin patches are not intended for use during an acute episode of chest pain. They are used for continuous prevention, not for immediate relief. The client should use sublingual nitroglycerin for acute chest pain. D. Transdermal patches are typically replaced daily, not weekly, to maintain effectiveness. A patch should be worn for 12-14 hours before being replaced.