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
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.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Give the child fluids and proceed to the emergency department.
While giving the child fluids is generally important, proceeding to the emergency department without consulting poison control may not be the most appropriate initial action. Poison control can provide specific guidance based on the substance ingested.
B. Call the poison control center and follow directions.
The safest advice for a toddler who has ingested a small amount of household cleaning fluid is to call the poison control center and follow their directions. Poison control centers are staffed with professionals who can provide specific guidance based on the type and amount of the ingested substance. They can advise on the appropriate steps to take, such as whether immediate medical attention is needed or if monitoring at home is sufficient.
C. Administer syrup of ipecac and monitor for vomiting.
The use of syrup of ipecac is no longer recommended as a routine measure for ingested substances. It can have adverse effects and may not be effective for all substances. Consulting poison control for guidance is considered a more appropriate approach.
D. Have the toddler eat bread to absorb the substance.
The ingestion of certain substances may not be effectively addressed by having the toddler eat bread. The specific advice for management should come from poison control, which can provide evidence-based guidance.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I need to increase my fluid intake." - This is a correct statement. Sucralfate should be taken with plenty of water to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
B. "I need to report pain or vomiting of blood." - This is also a correct statement. Severe abdominal pain or vomiting of blood may indicate a serious issue and should be reported to the healthcare provider.
C. "I need to take Carafate 30 minutes after meals." - This is an incorrect statement. Sucralfate is typically taken on an empty stomach, about 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.
D. "I need to take Maalox 30 minutes before or after Carafate." - This statement is correct. Antacids like Maalox can interfere with the absorption of sucralfate. It's generally recommended to space them apart, taking sucralfate at least 30 minutes before or after antacids.
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