A nurse is caring for an adolescent following the application of a plaster cast for a fractured right tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale
Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is not necessary to give the medication after meals. The medication can be taken with or without food. However, some people find that taking it with food can help prevent stomach upset.
Choice B rationale
Regular blood glucose level checks are not typically required when a child is taking methylphenidate. This medication does not have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
Choice C rationale
It is not generally recommended to skip doses of methylphenidate on weekends. Consistent medication administration is important for managing ADHD symptoms. However, the prescribing doctor may sometimes recommend a “drug holiday” or break from the medication. This should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Methylphenidate is a stimulant, and taking it later in the day can cause insomnia or trouble sleeping. Therefore, it is often recommended that the last dose of the medication be given before 6 o’clock in the evening to minimize sleep disturbances.

Choice A rationale
Rapid respirations are not typically a manifestation of hypoglycemia. They are more commonly associated with conditions that cause metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
Choice B rationale
Diminished reflexes are not a typical manifestation of hypoglycemia. They may be seen in conditions affecting the nervous system.
Choice C rationale
Acetone breath is not a manifestation of hypoglycemia. It is a sign of ketoacidosis, which is a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.
Choice D rationale
Diaphoresis, or sweating, is a common symptom of hypoglycemia. The body produces sweat as part of the sympathetic nervous system’s response to hypoglycemia.