The nurse is caring for an adolescent client diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who is prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) therapy. The client reports and questions the nurse why they have lost 10 pounds in 2-months. Which of the following should be the appropriate response by the nurse?

The pharmacological action of Ritalin causes a decrease in appetite.

Side effects of Ritalin cause nausea; therefore, caloric intake is decreased.

Increased ability to concentrate allows the client to focus on activities rather than food.

Hyperactivity seen in ADHD causes increased caloric expenditure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The pharmacological action of Ritalin causes a decrease in appetite. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication commonly prescribed for ADHD. One of its well-documented side effects is appetite suppression, which can lead to weight loss. This is the most accurate and direct explanation for the weight loss observed in the adolescent client.

B. Side effects of Ritalin cause nausea; therefore, caloric intake is decreased. While nausea can occur with methylphenidate, it is not the primary reason for weight loss. The main mechanism is appetite suppression rather than a direct reduction in caloric intake due to nausea. This response is less accurate than option A.

C. Increased ability to concentrate allows the client to focus on activities rather than food: While methylphenidate can improve concentration, this explanation does not directly address the physiological cause of weight loss. It is the decrease in appetite due to the drug's effects on neurotransmitters that leads to weight loss, not the increased focus on activities .

D. Hyperactivity seen in ADHD causes increased caloric expenditure: Hyperactivity itself can lead to higher caloric expenditure, but this is not directly related to the weight loss caused by methylphenidate. The primary reason for the weight loss in this case is the appetite suppression due to the medication, not increased activity .

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Implementing stress management workshops for employees in a workplace. This is a form of primary prevention, as it aims to prevent the development of mental health issues by reducing stress and promoting well-being among employees before problems arise . Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

B. Promoting mental health awareness and education in the community. This is another form of primary prevention. It aims to increase knowledge and awareness to prevent the onset of mental health issues by educating the public on how to maintain mental wellness and identify early signs of mental health problems . Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

C. Providing counseling and therapy to individuals with diagnosed mental health disorders. This is an example of tertiary prevention. It involves managing and treating existing mental health disorders to prevent further deterioration and to help individuals achieve the highest possible level of functioning and quality of life . This choice is correct.

D. Conducting mental health screenings in schools to identify students at risk for mental health issues. This represents secondary prevention, as it focuses on early identification and intervention for individuals at risk of developing mental health issues, aiming to prevent the progression of the disorder. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

A. Permanent short-term memory loss B. Nasal septum perforation C. Acute pancreatitis D. Respiratory depression/arrest

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Permanent short-term memory loss: While certain substances, particularly chronic alcohol use, can lead to memory impairment, permanent short-term memory loss is not a typical complication of heroin use. Heroin primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to other health risks such as overdose and infection. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

B. Nasal septum perforation: Nasal septum perforation is typically associated with the intranasal use of substances like cocaine, which can damage the nasal tissues. Heroin is more commonly injected or smoked, and nasal perforation is not a primary health risk associated with its use. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

C. Acute pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis is commonly associated with excessive alcohol consumption rather than heroin use. Heroin primarily affects the central nervous and respiratory systems rather than the pancreas. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

D. Respiratory depression/arrest: Heroin use poses a significant risk of respiratory depression and arrest, which can be fatal. It depresses the central nervous system and slows down breathing, potentially leading to severe hypoxia and death, especially in the case of overdose. This choice is correct.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A new student nurse is learning about Mental health. Which of the following should be stated as representation of a nursing intervention at the tertiary level of prevention in mental health?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following points should the nurse include in the discussion as a health risk of heroin use?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in an acute care facility is assessing a client who had hip surgery and has Alzheimer's disease. The nurse asks the client how therapy went that morning. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse document as confabulation?

A nurse is caring for a client who screams, "I can read your minds!" The nurse should identify this finding as a manifestation of which of the following personality disorders?

A nurse is caring for a client with an eating disorder. Which safety considerations should the nurse prioritize for a client with Binge eating disorder? (Select All that Apply.)

The nurse is teaching nursing students about the risk factors for developing delirium in older adults. Which student statement indicates understanding of the risk factors of delirium?

A nurse is caring for an adolescent who is experiencing depression. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse manager is providing staff education about working with clients who have a history of anger and aggression. Which of the following Information should the nurse manager include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing delirium. Which of the following should be the priority action by the nurse?