Final answer:
A nitroglycerin patch should not be placed over areas with irritated, cut, or open skin, excessive hair, or where it may be subject to movement or pressure. It should be applied to a clean, dry, and hairless area for effective absorption, rotating sites to prevent irritation.
Step-by-step explanation:
When applying a nitroglycerin patch, it should not be placed over any areas of the skin that are irritated, cut, or have open wounds. Additionally, it is generally advised to avoid placing the patch on areas where the skin is excessively hairy, as this can prevent proper adhesion and interfere with the absorption of the medication. The patch should also not be placed over skin areas that might be subject to excessive movement or pressure, such as joints, because it may come off or its efficacy could be altered. To ensure that nitroglycerin is effectively absorbed through the skin, the patch should be applied to a clean, dry, and hairless area, typically on the chest or the upper arm, and it should be rotated to different areas with each new application to prevent skin irritation.