Final answer:
Methylphenidate transdermal patches should be applied to a clean, dry area on the hip, worn for about 9 hours during the day, and disposed of securely after removal.
Step-by-step explanation:
A school-aged child who has been diagnosed with conduct disorder and has a new prescription for methylphenidate transdermal patches requires specific instructions regarding the medication's use. Methylphenidate, known by brand names such as Ritalin and Daytrana, is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat ADHD. In the case of transdermal patches like Daytrana, the patch should be applied to a clean, dry area, avoiding places where the skin folds a lot such as the waistline. The typical recommendation is to place the patch on the hip area, and it should be rotated daily to avoid skin irritation. It is usually applied in the morning and worn for approximately 9 hours to match the school and waking hours of the child, ensuring that the stimulant effects are present during the day when focus and alertness are most needed, and then removed to decrease the risk of interfering with sleep at night. After removing the patch, it should be folded in half so that the sticky sides are together, and then placed in a sturdy trash can, preferably one that is out of reach of children and pets, to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.