A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has pneumonia.

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the potential action is anticipated or contraindicated for the client.

A) "Our child has a better grasp of reality":
While methylphenidate can improve focus and reduce impulsivity in children with ADHD, a "better grasp of reality" is not a typical or direct effect of the medication. The goal of medication like methylphenidate is to manage symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, rather than altering the child's sense of reality. Therefore, this statement does not reflect an expected outcome of the medication.

B) "Our child has lost some weight since his last appointment":
Weight loss can be a side effect of methylphenidate, as it may reduce appetite. However, this is not an indication that the medication is effective in managing ADHD symptoms. A decrease in weight does not correlate with the desired effects of improved concentration or behavior control. In fact, parents should be educated on monitoring the child’s nutritional intake and discussing any concerns about weight loss with the healthcare provider.


C) "Our child has increased his daily caloric intake":
While it is beneficial for children taking methylphenidate to maintain adequate nutrition, an increase in caloric intake is not directly related to the medication’s effectiveness in treating ADHD. The goal is to improve symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, not to focus on changes in food consumption.

D) "Our child is able to complete his homework on time":
This statement is a clear indicator that methylphenidate is working effectively. One of the main goals of treating ADHD is to improve the child's ability to focus and complete tasks, such as homework, within a reasonable time frame. The child being able to complete homework on time reflects the positive effect of the medication in improving concentration, attention, and task completion.

A) Social withdrawal: While social withdrawal can be a sign of depression or a worsening cognitive decline in clients with Alzheimer's disease, it does not immediately threaten the client's safety. It is important to monitor and address, but it is not the priority concern that requires immediate intervention.

B) Wandering outside at night: This is the priority issue and requires immediate intervention. Wandering, especially at night, poses a significant safety risk to clients with Alzheimer's disease. The client may become lost, disoriented, or fall, leading to injury. Immediate steps should be taken to ensure the environment is safe, such as installing locks or alarms on doors, and potentially seeking further evaluation or care interventions to manage this behavior.

C) Difficulty articulating words: Difficulty with speech or articulation can occur as part of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the later stages. While it can be distressing for the client and family, it does not present an immediate threat to the client's safety. This issue should be addressed as part of the overall care plan, but it is not as urgent as wandering.

D) Inability to remember their partner's name: Memory loss, including difficulty remembering names, is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. While it can be emotionally difficult for both the client and their family, it does not pose an immediate risk to the client’s safety or well-being. This symptom should be monitored, but it is not the top priority for immediate intervention.