A nurse is assessing a child who is postoperative following a tonsillectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?

A. "Place the patch on your upper arm": Transdermal scopolamine patches are typically applied behind the ear, not on the upper arm. Placing the patch behind the ear allows for optimal absorption of the medication through the skin.
B. "Replace a dislodged patch onto the same location": If the patch becomes dislodged, it should not be reattached. Instead, a new patch should be applied to a different area behind the ear to prevent skin irritation and ensure continuous drug delivery.
C. "Apply the patch prior to traveling": This is the correct instruction. Transdermal scopolamine patches are applied to the skin at least 4 hours before travel to prevent motion sickness during the journey. Applying the patch in advance allows time for the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream and provide effective symptom relief.
D. "Store unused patches in the refrigerator": Transdermal scopolamine patches do not typically require refrigeration. They should be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration may alter the integrity of the patch and affect its effectiveness.

A. "A health care surrogate must be a family member.": This statement is incorrect. A health care surrogate, also known as a health care proxy or agent, does not necessarily have to be a family member. It can be any individual chosen by the client to make health care decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so.
B. "The client can resume control of health care after a temporary loss of competency.": This statement demonstrates an understanding of advance directives. Advance directives allow individuals to maintain control over their health care decisions by specifying their preferences for treatment or appointing a surrogate decision-maker. If a client experiences a temporary loss of competency, they can regain control of their health care decisions once competency is restored.
C. "The provider will choose a client's health care surrogate.": This statement is incorrect. It is the responsibility of the client to choose their health care surrogate. While healthcare providers may provide guidance and information about advance directives, they do not choose the surrogate for the client.
D. "The provider can go against the client's wishes regarding advance directives.": This statement is incorrect. Advance directives are legally binding documents that express a client's wishes regarding medical treatment. Healthcare providers are generally obligated to follow the directives outlined in these documents, and they cannot go against the client's wishes unless certain legal exceptions apply, such as emergency situations where immediate action is required to preserve life.