A nurse is meeting with a 15-year-old client who has ADHD. The client and their parent state they would like their medications stopped due to the unpleasant side effects. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Tell me more about what unpleasant effects you have been experiencing
Stop taking the medication immediately
I’ll get the physician to discuss this situation
It’s important to take the medication as prescribed
The Correct Answer is A
a. Tell me more about what unpleasant effects you have been experiencing
Explanation of Choices
Choice A Reason: Tell Me More About What Unpleasant Effects You Have Been Experiencing
This response is the most appropriate because it opens a dialogue between the nurse, the client, and the parent. Understanding the specific side effects the client is experiencing allows the nurse to gather detailed information, which is crucial for assessing the situation accurately. This approach shows empathy and concern for the client’s well-being and can help identify whether the side effects are manageable or if an alternative treatment plan is needed. It also ensures that the client feels heard and supported.
Choice B Reason: Stop Taking the Medication Immediately
Advising the client to stop taking the medication immediately is not appropriate without a thorough assessment and consultation with the prescribing physician. Abruptly discontinuing ADHD medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a resurgence of ADHD symptoms, which can negatively impact the client’s daily functioning and overall health. Medication changes should always be made under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Choice C Reason: I’ll Get the Physician to Discuss This Situation
While involving the physician is an important step, this response alone does not address the immediate concerns of the client and parent. It is essential for the nurse to first understand the specific issues before referring to the physician. This ensures that the physician has all the necessary information to make an informed decision about the client’s treatment plan. Additionally, this response may come across as dismissive if not coupled with an initial assessment by the nurse.
Choice D Reason: It’s Important to Take the Medication as Prescribed
While it is true that taking medication as prescribed is important, this response does not acknowledge the client’s and parent’s concerns about side effects. It may come across as dismissive and could damage the trust between the client, parent, and healthcare provider. Addressing the side effects and exploring possible solutions or alternatives is crucial for maintaining adherence to the treatment plan and ensuring the client’s well-being.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d. Restrict your child’s intake of caffeine while she is taking this medication.
Choice A Reason:
This statement is incorrect. Methylphenidate does not typically increase saliva production. In fact, it is more commonly associated with dry mouth as a side effect. Therefore, informing parents that the medication might increase saliva production would be misleading and not based on the known side effects of the drug.
Choice B Reason:
This statement is incorrect. Methylphenidate should generally be administered in the morning or early afternoon to avoid insomnia, as it is a stimulant and can interfere with sleep if taken too late in the day. Administering the medication at bedtime would likely cause sleep disturbances, which is counterproductive for managing ADHD symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
This statement is incorrect. Methylphenidate is more commonly associated with weight loss rather than weight gain. The medication can suppress appetite, leading to reduced food intake and potential weight loss. Therefore, it is important to monitor the child’s weight and nutritional intake while on the medication, but weight gain is not a typical concern.
Choice D Reason:
This statement is correct. Caffeine is a stimulant and can exacerbate the side effects of methylphenidate, such as increased heart rate, jitteriness, and anxiety. Therefore, it is advisable to restrict the child’s intake of caffeine while taking this medication to avoid these potential interactions and side effects. This includes limiting consumption of caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and certain sodas.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Notify all members of the treatment team and place the client on suicide precautions
While notifying the treatment team and placing the client on suicide precautions is crucial, it is not the immediate priority. The first step is to assess the immediacy and severity of the risk by determining if the client has a specific plan. This assessment helps in understanding the level of danger and urgency required in the intervention.
Choice B Reason: Assess for past history of suicide attempts
Assessing for a past history of suicide attempts is important for understanding the client’s risk factors and potential for future attempts. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client expresses current suicidal ideation. The immediate concern is to assess the current risk and plan, which directly impacts the urgency of the intervention.
Choice C Reason: Identify coping mechanisms
Identifying coping mechanisms is a valuable part of the overall treatment plan and can help in long-term management. However, in the context of immediate suicidal ideation, the priority is to assess the current risk and plan. Once the immediate risk is managed, coping mechanisms can be explored to support the client’s ongoing mental health.
Choice D Reason: Determine whether the client has a specific plan to commit suicide
This is the correct answer. Determining whether the client has a specific plan to commit suicide is the highest priority because it directly assesses the immediacy and severity of the risk. If the client has a specific plan, it indicates a higher level of danger and necessitates immediate intervention to ensure the client’s safety.
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