Final answer:
The Nicotrol Step 1 nicotine patch applied at 10:00 AM should be removed at 2:00 AM the following day. Nicotine patches are part of nicotine replacement therapy aimed at reducing withdrawal symptoms and helping with quitting smoking, although many people relapse within a year.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse applied the Nicotrol Step 1 nicotine patch at 10:00 AM (1000 hours), which is intended to be worn for 16 hours. To calculate the time at which the patch should be removed, you add 16 hours to the application time. Starting from 10:00 AM, 16 hours later would be 2:00 AM (0200 hours) the following day. Therefore, the correct time to remove the nicotine patch is at 0200 hours.
Nicotine replacement therapy, such as the nicotine patch, is used as a temporary measure to combat nicotine addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms. Although it is far less dangerous than tobacco smoke and much less carcinogenic, it still poses some risks to the cardiovascular system. Despite its potential benefits, about 90 percent of people who use nicotine replacement therapies like patches, gum, or lozenges end up smoking again within 12 months.