Author Question: What is the priority outcome for a 6-year-old patient who had been started on methylphenidate ... (Read 61 times)

LaDunn · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

What is the priority outcome for a 6-year-old patient who had been started on methylphenidate (Ritalin)?

1. The patient will avoid altercations with peers.
2. The patient will be able to complete age-appropriate chores at home.
3. The patient will use age-appropriate play with peers.
4. The patient will maintain weight within norms for this age group.

Question 2

The 8-year-old patient is receiving methylphenidate (Ritalin). The patient's mother tells the nurse that he won't eat while on his medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. It sounds like he is becoming depressed. I will speak to the doctor about starting an antidepressant medication.
2. Give the medication after meals and encourage him to have supplements between meals.
3. You are right to be concerned. I will speak to the doctor about starting an appetite stimulant medication.
4. This is a very serious concern; it would be best for him to see a nutritionist for counseling.

BUTTHOL369 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have difficulty engaging in play with peers due to their distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) increases their focus and decreases their distractibility, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Age-appropriate play with peers is fundamental to healthy development with school-age children. Avoiding altercations with peers does not address a decrease in ADHD-related behaviors. Completing age-appropriate chores at home does not address the interaction and play with peers, which is crucial during this developmental stage. Maintaining weight does not address the interaction and play with peers, which is crucial during this developmental stage.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an appetite suppressant. The best approach is to have the patient take the medication after meals and consume nutritious supplements between meals. Seeing a nutritionist is premature at this time. There isn't any evidence to support that the patient is becoming depressed. It is premature to start an appetite stimulant medication without trying other strategies first.