The nurse is deciding on a dosage schedule for methylphenidate (Ritalin). The nurse recognizes that which time is the most appropriate to administer this drug for maximum effectiveness?

Before breakfast or lunch

With meals

After dinner

At bedtime

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Before breakfast or lunch

Methylphenidate (Ritalin), a stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is usually administered before breakfast or lunch for maximum effectiveness. This schedule helps align the peak concentration of the medication with the times when increased focus and attention are often needed, such as during school hours.

B. With meals

While it can be administered with meals, the goal is often to have the medication take effect before meals to help with focus and attention during activities like school or work.

C. After dinner

Administering methylphenidate after dinner may interfere with the patient's ability to fall asleep, as the medication can cause insomnia. It is generally recommended to avoid administering it in the late afternoon or evening.

D. At bedtime

Administering methylphenidate at bedtime is not appropriate due to the potential for insomnia. The stimulant effect of the medication is not aligned with the patient's sleep-wake cycle.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Depression:

CNS stimulants are generally not indicated for depression. In fact, they can exacerbate symptoms and are not considered a first-line treatment for depressive disorders.

B. Opiate overdose:

CNS stimulants are not indicated for treating opiate overdose. In cases of overdose, other medications like naloxone are commonly used to reverse the effects of opioids.

C. Poor appetite:

CNS stimulants may be used to increase alertness and decrease fatigue, but they are not typically prescribed to address poor appetite. Appetite stimulation is often managed through other approaches.

D. Narcolepsy:

This is the correct answer. CNS stimulants, such as modafinil or methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms of narcolepsy. These medications help improve wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness.

A. Call the health carer provider immediately to change the medication to oral. B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient. C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion. D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Call the health care provider immediately to change the medication to oral.

Changing the medication to oral may not address the immediate issue of the burning sensation and feeling of heat at the IV site. This option focuses on changing the route of administration rather than addressing the current discomfort.

B. Continue the infusion and reassure the patient.

Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's discomfort could lead to potential complications, and it is important to prioritize patient comfort and safety. Reassurance alone may not be sufficient if there is an issue with the IV site.

C. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline and continue the infusion.

While flushing the line with normal saline is a good practice to ensure patency, it may not resolve the issue if there is ongoing irritation or infiltration at the site. Continuing the infusion without addressing the patient's complaint might lead to further discomfort.

D. Discontinue the IV and restart the IV infusion in a different site.

This is the best action. Discontinuing the IV allows the nurse to assess the current site for signs of infiltration or irritation. Restarting the IV in a different site addresses the immediate issue, ensuring that the medication is delivered safely and effectively.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is deciding on a dosage schedule for methylphenidate (Ritalin). The nurse recognizes that which time is the most appropriate to administer this drug for maximum effectiveness?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse understands that a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant would be indicated for a patient with which of the following health alterations?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is working on a neurosurgery unit. The patient calls the desk to complain that his arm is really burning and feels hot. The patient is receiving IV phenytoin for his grand mal seizures. What is the nurse's best action?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient presents to the emergency department complaining of a severe headache. She is diaphoretic and is unable to sit still. Her family tells the nurse that the client has been taking "some herb." Which herb does the nurse suspect the client has been taking?

A client with myasthenia gravis is experiencing a cholinergic crisis. Which symptoms are associated with this condition? (Select all that apply.)

Ondansetron (Zofran) has been ordered for the patient undergoing cancer chemotherapy to control the severe nausea and vomiting. What side effects should the nurse observe for?

The client has fallen off his mountain bike and sustained multiple abrasions to both of his knees. Which would be appropriate medication(s) for pain management for this client? (Select All That Apply)

The physician writes an order for Atacand 16 mg. Each tablet contains 8 mg. How many tablets would you administer?

A woman gives birth to a 28 week infant. The infant is scheduled to receive caffeine citrate after birth. The mother asks, "Why are you giving my baby stuff that is in coffee?' What is the nurses best response?

The physician prescribes an oral medication for the patient. What is the primary nursing assessment of the patient prior to receiving this medication?

Prescribed is 80 mg of gentamicin in 50 mL to infuse in 30 minutes. The nurse would program the electronic infusion pump at what rate?