Chapter 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?

Answer 1

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

Central nervous system stimulants should be taken 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to decrease insomnia. Generally speaking, once-a-day dosing is used with extended-release or long-acting preparations. These formulations eliminate the need to take this medication at school

Question 2

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?

Answer 2

Height and weight

Assessment of baseline height and weight is important before beginning Ritalin therapy because it may cause a temporary slowing of growth in prepubertal children