A nurse is teaching the parents of a child who has ADHD about methylphenidate. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
This medication might increase the amount of saliva your child produces.
Administer the medication at bedtime.
Your child might gain weight while taking this medication.
Restrict your child’s intake of caffeine while she is taking this medication.
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to restricted food intake and excessive weight loss. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a relentless pursuit of thinness and may engage in extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and other behaviors to lose weight. While eliminating specific foods can be a part of anorexia nervosa, the primary focus is on weight loss and body image rather than the purity or healthiness of the food.
Choice B Reason: Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder involves the repeated regurgitation of food, which may be re-chewed, re-swallowed, or spit out. This condition is more common in infants and individuals with developmental disabilities but can occur in people of all ages. The behavior is typically involuntary and not related to concerns about food purity or healthiness. Therefore, it does not align with the client’s report of eliminating specific foods to “eat clean.”
Choice C Reason: Orthorexia
Orthorexia is an eating disorder characterized by an obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy or pure. Individuals with orthorexia may eliminate entire food groups, such as sugars, carbohydrates, or dairy, in their quest to maintain a “clean” diet6. This condition can lead to malnutrition and social isolation due to the restrictive nature of the diet. The client’s report of eliminating specific foods to “eat clean” is a clear indication of orthorexia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Cardiac dysrhythmia resulting in cardiac arrest
Explanation of Choices
Choice A Reason: Cardiac Dysrhythmia Resulting in Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac dysrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats, are a significant health complication associated with anorexia nervosa. These dysrhythmias can result from electrolyte imbalances, particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia), which are common in individuals with anorexia due to malnutrition and purging behaviors. Severe dysrhythmias can lead to cardiac arrest, making this one of the most critical and potentially fatal complications of anorexia nervosa. The heart muscle can weaken due to prolonged malnutrition, leading to a condition known as myocardial atrophy, which further increases the risk of cardiac complications.
Choice B Reason: Endocrine Imbalance Causing Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea, or the absence of menstruation, is a common endocrine complication in females with anorexia nervosa. This condition occurs due to the body’s response to severe weight loss and malnutrition, which disrupts the normal production of reproductive hormones. While amenorrhea is a significant health issue, it is not as immediately life-threatening as cardiac dysrhythmias. Amenorrhea can lead to long-term complications such as infertility and osteoporosis but does not typically result in acute medical emergencies.
Choice C Reason: Decreased Metabolism Causing Cold Intolerance
Decreased metabolism and cold intolerance are common symptoms in individuals with anorexia nervosa. The body reduces its metabolic rate in response to prolonged starvation to conserve energy. This can lead to a lower body temperature and increased sensitivity to cold. While uncomfortable and indicative of severe malnutrition, decreased metabolism and cold intolerance are not as immediately dangerous as cardiac dysrhythmias. These symptoms reflect the body’s adaptation to a state of energy deficiency but do not pose an immediate threat to life.
Choice D Reason: Glucose Intolerance Resulting in Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to inadequate food intake. However, glucose intolerance and hypoglycemia are less common and less severe complications compared to cardiac dysrhythmias. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and fainting, but it is typically manageable with appropriate nutritional support. It does not carry the same immediate risk of fatality as cardiac dysrhythmias.
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