A nurse will prepare teaching materials for the parents of a ...

[Alainaaa8]

A nurse will prepare teaching materials for the parents of a child newly diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which medication will the information focus on?
 
  a. Paroxetine (Paxil)
  b. Imipramine (Tofranil)
  c. Methyphenidate (Ritalin)
  d. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Question 2

What is the nurse's priority focused assessment for side effects in a child taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
 
  a. Dystonia, akinesia, and extrapyramidal symptoms
  b. Bradycardia and hypotensive episodes
  c. Sleep disturbances and weight loss
  d. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

[cadimas]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
CNS stimulants are the drugs of choice for treating children with ADHD: Ritalin and dexedrine are commonly used. None of the other drugs are psychostimulants used to treat ADHD.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, reduced appetite, weight loss, urinary retention, dizziness, fatigue, and insomnia. Weight loss has the potential to interfere with the child's growth and development. The distracters relate to side effects of conventional antipsychotic medications.