Question 1

The parent of an obese 10-year-old child asks the nurse about medications to aid in weight loss. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Accepted Answer

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the use of weight loss drugs in children under 12 years of age. Therefore, option C is the correct response by the nurse. Options A and B are incorrect as anorexiants are not recommended for long-term use in children and should only be used under close medical supervision. Option D is incorrect as children may actually be more prone to side effects from drugs due to differences in metabolism and body size.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child who has difficulty concentrating and completing tasks and who cannot seem to sit still. Which diagnostic test may be ordered to assist with a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in this child?

Accepted Answer

An EEG may be ordered to help diagnose ADHD as it can detect abnormal brain wave patterns and rule out other neurological conditions. The other options (CT, ECG, MRI) are not typically used to diagnose ADHD.

Question 3

A college-age student is brought to the emergency department by friends after consuming NoDoz tablets along with several cups of coffee and a few energy drinks. The patient is complaining of nausea and diarrhea and appears restless. The nurse understands that

Accepted Answer

Consuming high amounts of caffeine in combination with other stimulants can lead to serious adverse effects such as arrhythmias and convulsions. The patient's symptoms of nausea, diarrhea, and restlessness may also be indicative of caffeine overdose.

Question 4

A patient has been using an amphetamine drug as an anorexiant for several weeks and asks the nurse about long-term adverse effects of this type of medication. The nurse will explain to the patient that these drugs

Accepted Answer

Long-term use of amphetamines can lead to cardiovascular complications such as palpitations, hypertension, and potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmias.

Question 5

The parent of a child who is taking amphetamine (Adderall) to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) asks the provider to recommend an over-the-counter medication to treat a cold. What will the nurse tell the parent?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should advise the parent to avoid any over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine or caffeine, as these can increase the risk of adverse effects when combined with amphetamine. This includes common cold and allergy medications such as Sudafed. The parent should always check with a healthcare provider before giving any new medication to their child while taking Adderall.

Question 6

The nurse is working in a neonatal intensive care unit and is caring for an infant who is experiencing multiple periods of apnea and bradycardia. Which of the following drugs could be used to treat neonatal apnea?

Accepted Answer

Caffeine citrate is commonly used to treat neonatal apnea as it stimulates the central nervous system and respiratory system, reducing the frequency of apnea episodes.

Question 7

The parent of an adolescent who has taken methylphenidate 20 mg/day for 6 months for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) brings the child to clinic for evaluation of a recent onset of nausea, vomiting, and headaches. The parent expresses concern that the child seems less focused and more hyperactive than before. What will the nurse do next?

Accepted Answer

CAsking the child whether the drug is being taken as prescribed is important to ensure compliance and to determine if improper dosing is contributing to the symptoms. Recommending taking the drug with meals can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

Question 8

The nurse is performing a medication history on a patient who plans to begin using phentermine HCl as an appetite suppressant. The nurse knows that phentermine should be avoided in patients with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Phentermine HCl should be avoided in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and glaucoma. It can worsen hypertension, cause hyperthyroidism to become more severe, and increase intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

Question 9

The nurse is teaching a parent about methylphenidate (Ritalin) to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which statement by the parent indicates understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

It is important to consult a pharmacist before giving any over-the-counter medications while taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) to avoid potential drug interactions. Choice B is not necessarily true and there is no evidence to support that only giving diet soft drinks is necessary. Choice C is incorrect as medication therapy does not replace behavioral therapy for ADHD. Choice D is not true as weight loss is actually a common side effect of methylphenidate (Ritalin).

Question 10

A patient reports difficulty staying awake during the daytime in spite of getting adequate sleep every night. Which medication will the nurse expect the provider to order for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Modafinil (Provigil) is a medication commonly used to treat excessive daytime sleepiness. It works by increasing wakefulness, and is often used in patients with narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. Caffeine (NoDoz) can provide temporary alertness, but is not a long-term solution for excessive sleepiness. Albuterol (Proventil) and theophylline are medications used to treat respiratory conditions, and would not be expected to have an impact on daytime sleepiness.

Question 11

The nurse is teaching a child and a parent about taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Which statement by the parent indicates understanding of the teaching?

Accepted Answer

The statement "My child should avoid products containing caffeine" indicates understanding of the teaching as methylphenidate and caffeine can both increase heart rate and blood pressure, leading to potential cardiovascular complications. It is recommended for patients taking methylphenidate to avoid caffeine-containing products. The other statements are incorrect or potentially harmful. Giving methylphenidate at bedtime can cause insomnia, the drug should not be stopped abruptly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms, and weight loss is more common than weight gain with methylphenidate.

Question 12

The nurse is checking an 8-year-old child who has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) into a clinic for an annual well-child visit. The child takes methylphenidate HCl (Ritalin). Which assessments are especially important for this child?

Accepted Answer

Methylphenidate HCl (Ritalin), a common medication for ADHD, can affect growth and cardiovascular function, making it important to monitor height, weight, and blood pressure in children taking this medication.

Quiz 17: Stimulants