A prescriber orders transdermal clonidine for hypertension. What should the nurse teach the patient?

• A. Change the patch every 7 days
• B. Change the patch daily
• C. Patch should be applied to a hairy area
• D. Patch should be applied to mucous membranes

Answer: (A)

Transdermal clonidine is designed to deliver medication steadily over a full week, so patient teaching focuses on a weekly patch change and proper skin care. Changing the patch once every 7 days maintains stable drug levels and avoids fluctuations that can affect blood pressure. Apply the patch to clean, dry, intact skin on a nonhairy, nonirritated site and rotate locations to minimize skin irritation. Do not place it on hairy areas where adhesion and absorption can be inconsistent, and never apply it to mucous membranes. After applying, press firmly to ensure adhesion and avoid heat sources, which can increase absorption and risk hypotension. If a patch falls off, apply a new one at a different site rather than trying to replace a missing dose.