Deck 13: Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs

Question 1

A 6-year-old boy has been started on an extended-release form of methylphenidate hydrochloride ( Ritalin ) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ). During a follow-up visit, his mother tells the nurse that she has been giving the medication at bedtime so that it will be "in his system" when he goes to school the next morning. What is the nurse's appropriate evaluation of the mother's actions?

A) She is giving him the medication dosage appropriately.
B) The medication should not be taken until he is at school.
C) The medication should be taken with meals for optimal absorption.
D) The medication should be given 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to diminish insomnia.

Answer 1

The medication should be given 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to diminish insomnia.

Question 2

A 22-year-old nursing student has been taking NoDoz (caffeine) tablets for the past few weeks to "make it through" the end of the semester and exam week. She is in the university clinic today because she is "exhausted." What nursing diagnosis may be appropriate for her?

A) Noncompliance
B) Impaired physical mobility
C) Sleep deprivation
D) Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements

Answer 2

Sleep deprivation

Question 3

A patient who started taking orlistat (Xenical) 1 month ago calls the clinic to report some "embarrassing" adverse effects. She tells the nurse that she has had episodes of "not being able to control my bowel movements." Which statement is true about this situation?

A) These are expected adverse effects that will eventually diminish.
B) The patient will need to stop this drug immediately if these adverse effects are occurring.
C) The patient will need to increase her fat intake to prevent these adverse effects.
D) The patient will need to restrict fat intake to less than 30% to help reduce these adverse effects.

Answer 3

The patient will need to restrict fat intake to less than 30% to help reduce these adverse effects.

Question 4

When evaluating a patient who is taking orlistat (Xenical), which is an intended therapeutic effect?

A) Increased wakefulness
B) Increased appetite
C) Decreased weight
D) Decreased hyperactivity

Question 5

The order reads, "Give atomoxetine (Strattera) 0.5 mg/kg/day once daily in the morning before school." The child weighs 88 pounds. How many milligrams will be administered per dose?

Question 6

The nurse is reviewing the use of central nervous system stimulants. Which of these are indications for this class of drugs? (Select all that apply.)

A) Narcolepsy
B) Depression
C) Panic attacks
D) Neonatal apnea
E) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD )
F) Appetite suppression

Question 7

A patient is receiving instructions regarding the use of caffeine. The nurse shares that caffeine should be used with caution if which of these conditions is present?

A) A history of peptic ulcers
B) Migraine headaches
C) Asthma
D) A history of kidney stones

Question 8

Before a patient receives triptans for the treatment of migraines, the nurse will assess for the presence of which condition, which is a contraindication if present?

A) Hypotension
B) Renal disease
C) Liver damage
D) Cardiovascular disease

Question 9

A patient has a new prescription for phentermine (Ionamin) as part of the treatment for weight loss. Which information will the nurse include when teaching this patient about a stimulant such as phentermine? (Select all that apply.)

A) Take this medication after meals.
B) Take this medication in the morning.
C) This drug is taken along with supervised exercise and suitable diet.
D) Use mouth rinses, sugarless gum, or hard candies to minimize dry mouth.
E) Avoid foods that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas.

Question 10

A 10-year-old patient will be started on methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) therapy. The nurse will perform which essential baseline assessment before this drug is started?

A) Eye examination
B) Height and weight
C) Liver studies
D) Hearing test

Question 11

The nurse is teaching a patient how to self-administer triptan injections for migraine headaches. Which statement by the patient indicates that he needs further teaching?

A) "I will take this medication regularly to prevent a migraine headache from occurring."
B) "I will take this medication when I feel a migraine headache starting."
C) "This medication does not reduce the number of migraines I will have."
D) "I will keep a journal to record the headaches I have and how the injections are working."

Question 12

An ergot alkaloid is prescribed for a patient who is having frequent migraine headaches. The nurse provides information to the patient about the medication and tells the patient to contact the prescriber if which problem occurs?

A) Nervousness
B) Dizziness
C) Chest pain
D) Nausea and vomiting