A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of a school-age child who has ADHD and a new prescription for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. Which of the following statements by the parent indicates an understanding of the teaching?

"I will reinforce the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat.".

Choice A reason:

Placing a heat pack on the patch to improve adhesion is not recommended. Heat can potentially increase the absorption of the medication and lead to adverse effects. Applying additional heat to the patch can be dangerous and may cause an overdose or other complications.

Choice B reason:

Placing the patch on the back side of the child's arm is not the correct application site for a methylphenidate transdermal patch. The appropriate site for application is typically the hip or the top of the buttocks. The back of the arm may not provide proper absorption and can result in suboptimal medication delivery.

Choice C reason:

This statement indicates an understanding of the teaching. Reinforcing the patch edges with clear tape if they don't lie flat is a recommended step to ensure proper adhesion of the patch. If the edges of the patch lift or don't stick properly, using clear tape can help keep the patch securely in place, ensuring continuous and consistent drug delivery.

Choice D reason:

Leaving the patch in place for no more than 9 hours is incorrect. The duration of wear for a methylphenidate transdermal patch varies depending on the specific brand and formulation. Typically, these patches are designed for 9 to 12 hours of wear, and leaving them on for a shorter duration may result in inadequate symptom control.

Choice A reason:

Take this medication every day for regular bowel movements. Rationale: This choice is incorrect. Docusate sodium is a stool softener used to prevent constipation, but it should not be taken daily for regular bowel movements. Overuse of stool softeners can lead to dependence and may disrupt the natural bowel function.

Choice B reason:

Take the medication with mineral oil. Rationale: This choice is incorrect. Docusate sodium should not be taken with mineral oil. When taken together, they can form a mixture that is difficult for the body to absorb, leading to potential adverse effects.

Choice C reason:

Decrease dietary fiber intake while taking this medication. Rationale: This choice is incorrect. It is not advisable to decrease dietary fiber intake while taking docusate sodium. Fiber is essential for promoting regular bowel movements and overall gastrointestinal health.

Combining the medication with a high-fiber diet can enhance its effectiveness.

Choice D reason:
Take the medication with a full glass of water. Rationale: This choice is correct. The nurse should instruct the client to take docusate sodium with a full glass of water. The water helps to soften the stool and allows the medication to work effectively in preventing constipation.