Final answer:
When teaching about a nitroglycerin patch, it is important to cover the application location, removal before showering, and their use during chest pain episodes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When teaching about a nitroglycerin patch, it is important to cover several key points:
- Apply to the chest area: Nitroglycerin patches are typically applied to the chest, as the medication is absorbed through the skin and helps relax and widen the blood vessels in the heart.
- Remove patch before showering: It is important to remove the patch before showering as water can affect the adhesion of the patch and reduce its effectiveness.
- Use only during chest pain episodes: Nitroglycerin patches are typically used for the treatment of angina, a type of chest pain that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. The patches are meant to be used during episodes of chest pain to help relieve the symptoms.