CNS stimulants (before midterm)

Question 1

Which condition is an indication for a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant drug?
a. Insomnia
b. Depression
c. Appetite enhancement
d. Appetite suppression

Answer 1

ANS: D
CNS stimulant drugs can be used as appetite suppressants (anorexiants) for appetite control.

Question 2

Caffeine should be used with caution in which patient? Oa. A male with a history of peptic ulcers
b. A female with a history of migraine headaches
c. A teenager with a history of asthma
d. A male with a history of kidney stones

Answer 2

ANS: A
Caffeine should be used with caution in patients who have a history of peptic ulcers or cardiac dysrhythmias or who have recently had a myocardial infarction.

Question 3

A patient has a new prescription for orlistat as part of his treatment for weight loss. What important information should the nurse include when providing patient education about orlistat?
a. This medication is a CNS stimulant
b. This medication reduces fat absorption by about 30%.
c. This drug is used for obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher.
d. This drug is most effective for individuals with Crohn’s disease.

Answer 3

ANS: B
Orlistat (Xenical®) works by binding to gastric and pancreatic enzymes called lipases. Blocking these enzymes reduces fat absorption by approximately 30%. Orlistat is not a CNS stimulant. It is used for patients with a BMI greater than 30. It is contraindicated in individuals with Crohn’s disease.

Question 4

A 6-year-old boy has been started on methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). 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.
Which is the nurse’s best response to the patient’s mother?
a. The medication dosage is being given appropriately.
b. The medication should not be taken until the boy is at school.
Oc. The medication should be taken with meals for optimal absorption.
d. The medication should be given 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to diminish the insomnia it causes.

Answer 4

ANS: D
CNS stimulants should be taken 4 to 6 hours before bedtime to decrease insomnia.

Question 5

A 22-year-old nursing student has been taking Excedrin Extra-Strength tablets for the past few weeks to “make it through” the end of the semester and examination week. The feeling of being “exhausted” has brought the patient to the clinic today. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate?
a. Nonadherence
Ob. Impaired physical mobility
c. Disturbed sleep pattern
d. Imbalanced nutrition (less than body requirements)

Answer 5

ANS: C
Excedrin Extra-Strength is acetaminophen 500 mg with caffeine 65 mg, which is a CNS stimulant that can be used to increase mental alertness. Restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia are common adverse effects

Question 6

Which CNS stimulant drug is used to treat acute migraines?
a. zolmitriptan (Zomig®)
b. Amphetamines
c. modafinil (Alertec®)
d. methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin®)

Answer 6

ANS: A
Zolmitriptan is a CNS stimulant that can be used to treat migraines.

Question 7

A 10-year-old boy has been on methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) for almost 6 months. His mother reports that he seems to have stopped growing.
Which is the nurse’s best answer to the patient’s mother?
a. Growth will occur with the onset of puberty.
b. Growth can be promoted with a high-protein diet.
c. Growth in 10-year-old children tends to be slower.
d. Temporary slowing of growth is expected with Ritalin therapy.

Answer 7

ANS: D
Methylphenidate hydrochloride may cause a temporary slowing of growth in prepubescent children.

Question 8

A 10-year-old will be started on methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) therapy. What important baseline assessment should be done before therapy with this drug is started?
0a. Eye examination
b. Height and weight
c. Liver studies
d. Cognitive function

Answer 8

ANS: B
Assessment of baseline height and weight is important before beginning methylphenidate hydrochloride therapy because this drug may cause a temporary slowing of growth in prepubescent children.

Question 9

Before administering sumatriptan (Imitrex®) to a patient for the treatment of a migraine headache, the nurse should assess for the presence of which condition?
a. Hypotension
b. Renal disease
c. Liver damage

Answer 9

ANS: D
Antimigraine medication is contraindicated in patients with peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease, sepsis, impaired renal or hepatic function, or severe hypertension.

Question 10

The nurse is evaluating a patient who is taking modafinil (Alertec). Which is an intended therapeutic effect? Oa. Increased wakefulness
b. Increased appetite
c. Suppressed appetite
d. Decreased hyperactivity

Answer 10

ANS: A
Modafinil is given to treat narcolepsy. Therefore, an intended therapeutic effect is increased wakefulness.

Question 11

Ginkgo biloba is a natural health product that is used for treatment of which condition what purpose?
a. Improving memory
b. Suppressing appetite
c. Treating ADHD
d. Stimulating appetite

Answer 11

ANS: A
Ginkgo biloba is a natural health product used for improving memory