A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has cancer and a prescription for a fentanyl 25 mcg/hr transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. “Avoid high-fiber foods while taking this medication.”: Fentanyl can cause constipation, so a diet high in fiber is actually recommended to promote bowel regularity. Avoiding fiber would worsen one of the drug’s common side effects. B. “Remove the patch for 8 hours every day to reduce the risk of tolerance.": Fentanyl patches are designed for continuous, 72-hour use. Removing the patch disrupts pain control and may lead to withdrawal symptoms or inadequate analgesia. C. “Avoid hot tubs while wearing the patch.”: Heat exposure, including hot tubs or heating pads, can increase fentanyl absorption, potentially leading to overdose. Clients should be advised to avoid external heat sources near the patch. D. “Apply the patch to your forearm.”: The patch should be applied to a flat, non-irritated area of the upper torso or upper arm. The forearm is not typically recommended due to its mobility and potential for detachment or reduced absorption.