Module 16
The nurse is teaching a group of parents of preschool-age children about the signs and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which information about children with ADHD should the nurse include in the presentation?
"They have impulsive behavior and distractibility."
An adolescent is prescribed the antidepressant sertraline (Zoloft) to treat major depression after a failed suicide attempt. Which information should the nurse include when teaching about this medication?
"Watch for and immediately report any suicidal thoughts."
A child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has lost 6 pounds in 2 weeks. Which medication should the nurse expect to find on the child's chart?
Amphetamine
A patient being treated after a suicide attempt is reported as going on spending sprees, skipping meals, and not sleeping for days. Which health problem should the nurse suspect this patient is experiencing?
Bipolar disorder
A patient is prescribed phenelzine (Nardil) for major depression. Which food should the nurse instruct a patient to avoid?
Foods containing tyramine
A patient beginning antidepressant therapy asks for the reason to get up slowly when changing positions. Which response should the nurse make?
"Antidepressant drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and hypotension, so rising slowly helps prevent you from falling."
An older male patient is taking atomoxetine (Strattera) for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For which adverse effect should the nurse monitor this patient?
Urinary retention
A patient taking an antidepressant 6 months ago experiences a relapse. Which question should the nurse ask regarding the prescribed medication?
"Are you still taking your antidepressant as prescribed?"
The nurse is assessing a patient with major depression. Which question should the nurse ask to assess for associated health problems?
"Do you use drugs or alcohol?"
The parents of a school-age child suspect that their child may have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which question should the nurse ask to obtain more information and support a diagnosis?
"Does your child frequently get in trouble at school for behavior problems?"
A patient with major depression asks why questions about alcohol and drugs are asked during the assessment. Which response should the nurse make?
"Drug and alcohol use are often seen together with depression."
A patient taking venlafaxine (Effexor) for major depression reports continued nausea after several weeks of therapy. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
"It sounds like you are having an adverse effect. I will let your healthcare provider know you are experiencing nausea."
A patient reports continued depression as well as insomnia, dizziness, and headache ever since beginning aripiprazole (Abilify) 10 days ago. Which response should the nurse make to the patient?
"Many medications do not take effect immediately; you should continue to take the medication as prescribed."
The parent of a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is concerned about the school administering the midday dose of methylphenidate 10 mg to be taken by mouth 3 times a day. Which response should the nurse make?
"Methylphenidate is available in a sustained-release form that can be prescribed."
The nurse is teaching the family and an adolescent patient with major depression about sertraline (Zoloft). Which statement by a family member should indicate the need for further teaching?
"Once the drug takes effect, the suicidal thoughts will be under control. That will be such a relief."
A child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prescribed methylphenidate Which information should the nurse emphasize with the parents?
"Plan for periodic drug-free holidays."
A child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prescribed a non-CNS stimulant medication. Which information should the nurse provide to the parents to minimize adverse effects of this medication?
"Provide water or hard candy."
A patient is taking an antidepressant. Which should the nurse teach to reduce the risk of injury when taking this medication?
"Slowly rise from lying or sitting to standing."
The parent of a 7-year-old patient asks how to determine if the child has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which response should the nurse make?
"Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity must be present to be diagnosed with ADHD."
A patient who recently began taking antidepressants reports insomnia. Which information should the nurse provide to the patient to help address the insomnia?
"Take the last dose of the medication before 4 p.m."
The parent of a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is concerned about using stimulants that are controlled substances to manage the disorder. Which information should the nurse provide?
"There are nonstimulant drugs available to manage the disease."
The nurse prepares to administer a maintenance dose of lithium (Eskalith). For which serum level should the nurse withhold giving the next dose of medication?
1.6 mEq/L
The nurse notes that an 8-year-old patient is taking a CNS stimulant. Which health problem should the nurse expect to see documented in this patient's medical record?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
A child is newly diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which type of medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed as a first-line treatment?
CNS stimulant
An adolescent with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is prescribed a stimulant. Which information should the nurse document before starting the medication?
Height and weight
A patient receiving lithium (Lithobid) for maintenance has a blood level of 1.6 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse take?
Hold the next dose of lithium.
The school nurse notices that a 9-year-old child is frequently getting in trouble at school and interrupting the teacher. Which aspect of this behavior should indicate to the nurse that the patient has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Impulsivity
A patient reports feelings of persistent "sadness," lack of interest in interpersonal interactions, and the inability to get out of bed. Which mood disorder should the nurse suspect?
Major depression
A patient is prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Which should the nurse emphasize with the patient about this medication?
Therapy with TCAs cannot be stopped abruptly.
A child who plays soccer is starting methylphenidate for treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which information should the nurse include when teaching the parents about this medication?
Use of sunscreen and protective clothing
A child is prescribed an amphetamine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which adverse effect should the nurse emphasize as most common with this medication?
Weight loss
A patient has been taking a stimulant medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for 1 month. For which finding should the nurse contact the healthcare provider?
Weight loss of 6 pounds
