For a client using nitroglycerin transdermal patches, what instruction should the nurse provide?

Applying the nitroglycerin transdermal patch at the same time each day for 12 to 16 hours is the correct instruction for the client. This method ensures a consistent therapeutic effect while allowing the body a nitrate-free interval, which helps to prevent tolerance to the medication. Nitrates, like nitroglycerin, can lead to decreased effectiveness if used continuously, so it's essential to have a regimen that balances therapeutic benefits with safety.

The 12 to 16-hour period for patch application aligns with the typical recommendation of giving a nitrate holiday. This practice helps to maintain the drug's efficacy and minimize side effects. By establishing a routine with the same time for application each day, the client is more likely to adhere to the regimen, leading to improved management of angina and related symptoms.

Using the patch right before meals, changing it every morning without accounting for the nitrate-free interval, or using the patch only during pain could lead to ineffective management of the condition and increased risk of side effects or tolerance development. These alternatives do not incorporate the critical aspect of timing and duration needed for optimal therapeutic outcomes with transdermal nitrates.