What is the nurse's priority focused assessment for side effects in a child taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) for ADHD?

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Dystonia, akinesia, and extrapyramidal symptoms

Bradycardia and hypotensive episodes

Sleep disturbances and weight loss

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a rare, life-threatening reaction associated with antipsychotic medications, not stimulants like methylphenidate.

B. Dystonia, akinesia, and extrapyramidal symptoms are primarily seen with antipsychotic use, not with ADHD stimulant medications.

C. Bradycardia and hypotensive episodes – Stimulants more commonly cause tachycardia and hypertension, not bradycardia or hypotension.

D. Sleep disturbances and weight loss are common side effects of methylphenidate due to its stimulant properties. Monitoring sleep patterns, appetite, and growth is a priority in children taking this medication.

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 A

Explanation

A. Haloperidol, a typical antipsychotic, commonly causes extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) such as muscle stiffness, rigidity, tremors, and sedation, which can make patients feel “robotic.”

B. Headache, watery eyes, and runny nose are not typical side effects of haloperidol; they are more consistent with allergy or upper respiratory symptoms.

C. Mild fever, sore throat, and skin rash could indicate a serious reaction such as agranulocytosis, which is rare and more common with atypical antipsychotics like clozapine.

D. Sweating, nausea, and diarrhea are not primary side effects of haloperidol; they may occur with other medications or conditions but are not typical EPS.

A. The nurse is viewing the patient's behavior through a cultural filter. B. The patient is giving positive feedback about the nurse's communication techniques. C. The patient is demonstrating psychotic behaviors. D. The patient's verbal and nonverbal messages are incongruent.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. There is no indication that cultural bias is affecting interpretation; the focus is on the mismatch between verbal and nonverbal cues.

B. While the patient says they enjoy the interaction, their nonverbal behavior (fidgeting, covering face, looking under chair) suggests discomfort or anxiety, not purely positive feedback.

C. The behaviors described (fidgeting, covering face) do not indicate hallucinations or delusions typical of psychosis.

D. The patient verbally states enjoyment, but their body language suggests discomfort, anxiety, or internal conflict, indicating incongruence between words and actions.

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

What is the nurse's priority focused assessment for side effects in a child taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) for ADHD?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia was discharged 6 months ago, haloperidol was prescribed. The patient now says, "I stopped taking those pills. They made me feel like a robot." What are common side effects the nurse should validate with the patient?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Documentation in a patient's chart shows. "Throughout a 5-minute interaction, patient fidgeted and tapped their left foot, periodically covered their face with their hands, and looked under chair while stating, 1 enjoy spending time with you." Which analysis is most accurate?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A patient in alcohol rehabilitation reveals to the nurse. "I feel terrible guilt for sexually abusing my 6-year-old before I was admitted." Select the nurse's most important action.

A student says, "Before taking a test. I feel very alert and a little restless." The nurse can correctly assess the students experience as

A health teaching plan for a patient taking lithium should include instructions to

What is the legal significance of a nurse's action when a patient verbally refuses medication and the nurse gives the medication over the patient's objection? The nurse

A child diagnosed with ADHD shows hyperactivity, aggression, and impaired play. The health care provider prescribed amphetamine salts (Adderall). The nurse should monitor for which desired behavior?

A health care provider considers which antipsychotic medication to prescribe for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia who has auditory hallucinations and poor social function. The patient is also overweight and hypertensive. Which drug should the nurse advocate?

A newly hospitalized patient experiencing psychosis says. "Red chair out town board." Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and is scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The client's spouse asks the nurse about the possible side effects of the ECT. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?