The school nurse is administering methylphenidate (Ritalin) to an ...

[EY67]

The school nurse is administering methylphenidate (Ritalin) to an adolescent is diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 
  The adolescent is noncompliant with coming to the nurse's office at noon for the medication. Which does the nurse suspect as the cause of the adolescent's noncompliance with the current medication regimen?
  A) The adolescent may fear that this drug may be a gateway drug that may lead to abusing other substances.
  B) An additional dose of medication is not needed while at school.
  C) Alternative coping mechanisms to increase focus during classes have been developed.
  D) The adolescent may be embarrassed about having to take medicine at school and fear a social stigma.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a family with four children whose third child has been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 
  After completing an assessment, which statement made by the mother leads the nurse to a diagnosis of compromised family coping?
  A) I don't know how to tell the rest of the family or how we will manage the other children.
  B) We need to alert the teachers at school so they will know how to give the medication.
  C) Will he have to be put in an institution?
  D) I'm not sure if we should let my child act in the school play.

[succesfull]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D

Some adolescent clients believe that having to take drugs in school will cause them to be viewed as weak, unhealthy, or dependent. Clients can also perceive this as a social stigma. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a short-acting drug and doses must be administered about 4 hours apart, so the client must receive a dose during school hours. ADHD is a brain-based disorder, and the primary treatment is medication; alternative coping mechanisms will not usually help to increase focus during classes. Appropriate treatment of ADHD will result in lessening the likelihood for addiction to mood-altering substances, not an increase in the likelihood.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

The mother does not have a positive outlook on this situation and appears indecisive and ashamed. This family will need assistance with coping with the child and continuing on with life. Alerting the teachers at school is a positive action and a way to protect the child. The school play will be a decision made with the teachers, but the mother's statement does not suggest poor coping. Asking if the child will need to be placed in an institution is reasonable at this time.