Chapter 36: Central Nervous System Stimulants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Chapter 36: Central Nervous System Stimulants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

1. A nurse understands that a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant would be indicated for a patient with which of the following health alterations?

a.	Depression
b.	Opiate overdose
c.	Poor appetite
d.	Narcolepsy

 

 

ANS:   D

Narcolepsy can be treated with a CNS stimulant, which can promote arousal and thereby relieve symptoms.

Depression is not an indication for the use of CNS stimulants. Antidepressants are the drugs of choice for depression.

CNS stimulants do not abate opiate overdoses. Narcan is the drug of choice for that purpose.

CNS stimulants reduce appetite and therefore would not be recommended for a patient with a poor appetite.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    pp. 388-389

TOP:    Nursing Process: Diagnosis

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. A patient has been admitted to the hospital for complications associated with obesity. The nurse has received an order for the patient for dextroamphetamine sulfate 15 mg, given intravenously every 6 hours. Based on this situation, the nurse’s next action would be which of the following interventions?

a.	Call the prescriber, because the medication is not indicated for obesity.
b.	Administer the medication as ordered.
c.	Call the prescriber and clarify the route of administration of the drug.
d.	Check the patient’s vital signs prior to administration.

 

 

ANS:   C

In clinical practice, amphetamines are given orally. These drugs are not approved for intravenous administration.

Amphetamines are indicated for obesity.

The medication should not be administered as ordered.

Obtaining vital signs is important, but not as important as questioning the route of administration ordered for the medication.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    pp. 388-389

TOP:    Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. A 7-year-old child is to begin taking methylphenidate (Ritalin SR) twice daily. The nurse should teach the parents to monitor the child closely for which of the following side effects of methylphenidate?

a.	Insomnia
b.	Lethargy
c.	Increased appetite
d.	Urticaria

 

 

ANS:   A

Side effects of methylphenidate include insomnia, reduced appetite, and emotional lability.

Lethargy, increased appetite, and urticaria are not side effects of methylphenidate.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    pp. 388-389

TOP:    Nursing Process: Evaluation

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. A nurse counsels an 8-year-old child and the parents about the methylphenidate (Concerta LD) that was just prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. What information should the nurse provide regarding administration of the drug?

a.	“Chew one tablet twice daily.”
b.	“Dissolve a tablet in juice or milk in the morning.”
c.	“Do not crush or chew the medication.”
d.	“Crush the medicine and mix it in apple sauce.”

 

 

ANS:   C

Methylphenidate tablets must be swallowed whole.

Methylphenidate tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved in liquids.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application             REF:    pp. 389-390

TOP:    Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:   NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies