A 6-Year-Old Boy Has Been Started on Methylphenidate Hydrochloride (Ritalin)for

Multiple Choice

A 6-year-old boy has been started on methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .His mother tells the nurse that she has been giving the medication at bedtime so that it will be "in his system" when he goes to school the next morning.
Which is the nurse's best response to the patient's mother?

A) The medication dosage is being given appropriately.
B) The medication should not be taken until the boy is at school.
C) The medication should be taken with meals for optimal absorption.
D) The medication should be given 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to diminish the insomnia it causes.