Chapter 17: Stimulants

Chapter 17: Stimulants

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse is performing a medication history on a patient who reports using phentermine HCl (Suprenza) 15 mg/day for the past 3 months as an appetite suppressant. The nurse will contact the patient’s provider to discuss

a.	changing the medication to phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia).
b.	increasing the dose to 37.5 mg/day since tolerance has likely occurred.
c.	initiating a slow taper of the phentermine.
d.	stopping the drug immediately since long-term use is not recommended.

 

 

ANS:   C

The nurse should discuss a gradual taper of the medication with the provider. Patients using anorexiants should not stop taking them abruptly because depression and withdrawal symptoms may occur. Phentermine-topiramate is recommended for short-term use only. Patients should not use these medications longer than 12 weeks, so increasing the dose is not indicated.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                              REF:    p. 226

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning/Nursing Intervention

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

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?

a.	Computerized tomography (CT) of the head
b.	Electrocardiogram (ECG)
c.	Electroencephalogram (EEG)
d.	Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain

 

 

ANS:   C

A child with ADHD may have abnormal EEG findings. CT, MRI, and ECG tests are not diagnostic for ADHD.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Remembering (Knowledge)                      REF:    p. 226

TOP:    Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pathophysiology

 

3. 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

a.	can cause cardiac dysrhythmias with continued use.
b.	contribute to the development of narcolepsy.
c.	do not have severe effects when used properly.
d.	will cause orthostatic hypotension.

 

 

ANS:   A

Amphetamines can cause adverse effects in the central nervous, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems even when used as directed. Cardiac dysrhythmias can occur with continued use. Amphetamines do not cause narcolepsy or hypotension.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)               REF:    p. 227

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention

MSC:   NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. 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?

a.	“I should give this drug to my child at bedtime.”
b.	“My child should avoid products containing caffeine.”
c.	“The drug should be stopped immediately if my child develops aggression.”
d.	“We should monitor my child’s weight since weight gain is common.”

 

 

ANS:   B

Methylphenidate is a stimulant, so other stimulants such as caffeine should be avoided because a high plasma caffeine level can be fatal. The medication should be taken in the morning. Patients should be taught not to stop the drug abruptly to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Weight loss is common.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                              REF:    p. 229

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies