Drug Therapy for ADHD and Narcolepsy

A boy come to the school nurse's office and states "I did not take my Ritalin today." Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention? A. Call the child's parent or guardian to try to find out if the boy has taken his medication. B. Give the child his morning dose since it is in the office. C. Send him back to class and tell him it is not necessary to take his medication. D. Call the physician to obtain a one-time dose of methylphenidate.

A. Call the child's parent or guardian to try to find out if the boy has taken his medication.

A mother calls the clinic to report that her son has recently started medication to treat ADHD. The mother fears her son is experiencing side effects of the medication. Which of the following side effects are typically related to medications used for ADHD? A. poor appetite B. frequency of urination C. weight gain D. sedation

A. poor appetite

A 10 year old child diagnosed with ADHD has been taking amphetamine sulfate for the past 2 years. Which of the following are normal adverse effects of the drug? (Select all that apply) A. weight loss B. anorexia C. dry mouth D. bradycardia

A. weight loss; B. anorexia; C. dry mouth

Which of the following groups are most commonly used for drug management of hyperactive child? A. CNS depressants B. CNS stimulants C. anticonvulsants D. major tranquilizers

B. CNS stimulants

Which of the following groups are most commonly used for drug management of the patient with narcolepsy? A. CNS depressants B. CNS stimulants C. anticonvulsants D. major tranquilizers

B. CNS stimulants

Which of the following statements indicate the patient is in need of further patient teaching regarding medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? A. I should not crush my tablets. B. I can skip doses when I am feeling good. C. I should not change my dosage without consulting my health care provider. D. I should consult with my health care provider before taking any new medications.

B. I can skip doses when I am feeling good.

A prescriber has ordered a central nervous system stimulant for a child. What is the expected outcome of this medication? A. increased behavioral problems B. improved performance in schoolwork C. decreased ability to complete a task D. increased hyperactivity

B. improved performance in schoolwork

A 7-year-old boy takes methylphenidate every morning. Which of the following behaviors would a nurse expect the child to engage in? A. to sit and play with his toys for 90 minutes B. to get along better with his peers C. to express his anger in an appropriate manner D. not to throw his toys across the room

B. to get along better with his peers

The nurse is caring for a child who is receiving a central nervous system stimulant for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is most important to monitor for which of the following? A. liver function B. weight loss C. fever D. seizure activity

B. weight loss

An 8 year old boy has been taking dexmethylphenidate 5 mg daily for 3 months. His mother is concerned that this dosage is not adequately treating his symptoms of ADHD. Which of the following behaviors would support the mother's concerns? A. increased concentration during school B. weight gain of 8 lbs over the past 3 months C. increased activity D. bradycardia

C. increased activity

Patient teaching for children taking methylphenidate for ADHD should include which of the following? A. Give the child the drug at bedtime. B. Drowsiness may be a side effect. C. If necessary, the child may take OTC cold products without problems. D. Provide for periodic drug-free holidays.

D. Provide for periodic drug-free holidays.

A clinician prescribes dextroamphetamine for a patient. Which of the following is an adverse effect of this medication? A. increased appetite B. respiratory depression C. sedation D. cardiac dysrhythmias

D. cardiac dysrhythmias

A physician has prescribed a CNS stimulant for a 7 year old child, who is already of short stature. Which of the following interventions will promote growth? A. administer growth hormone B. encourage daily exercise C. maintain a 2200 calorie diet D. drug holidays when on school breaks

D. drug holidays when on school breaks

A child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder would most likely exhibit which of the following symptoms? A. anxiety B. positive peer relationships C. hostility D. restlessness

D. restlessness

Cataplexy

Episodic loss of muscle function ranging from slight weakness to complete body collapse.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Relatively common disorder of childhood onset characterized by inattention, impulsiveness, and overactivity.

Narcolpesy

Sleep disorder in which a person goes to sleep at any place or at any time.

Drug holiday

Temporary drug-free period to allow some return of normal functions, to maintain sensitivity to a drug, and to reduce the likelihood of adverse effects.

Hypnagogic hallucinations

Vivid, often frightening, dreamlike experiences that occur while dozing, falling asleep, or awakening.