A nurse is reinforcing teaching about methylphenidate (Ritalin) with the parents of a school-age child who has ADHD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "You should give your child's last daily dose of the medication before 6 o'clock in the evening." Methylphenidate is a stimulant, and giving it too late in the day can cause insomnia. Administering the last dose before 6 PM helps minimize sleep disturbances. B. "You will need to give your child the medication after meals." Methylphenidate is typically given before meals to enhance its absorption and effectiveness. Taking it after meals is not recommended as it can delay absorption. C. "You will need to have your child's blood glucose level checked monthly." There is no need for regular blood glucose monitoring unless the child has other conditions like diabetes. Methylphenidate does not typically affect blood glucose levels. D. "You should not give your child the medication on weekends." Continuous use of methylphenidate is generally recommended to provide consistent symptom control, including on weekends. “Drug holidays” may be considered in specific cases but should be discussed with a healthcare provider.