Deck 13: Central Nervous System Stimulants and Related Drugs

Question 1

The nurse is reviewing the use of central nervous system stimulants. Which of these are indications for this class of drugs?

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

Answer 1

Narcolepsy
Neonatal apnea
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Appetite suppression

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Decreased weight

Question 3

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 3

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

Question 4

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 5

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 function studies
D) Hearing test

Question 6

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

Question 7

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 will 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 8

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% of total calories to help reduce these adverse effects.

Question 9

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 human needs statement may be appropriate for her?

A) Altered oxygenation need
B) Altered physical activity
C) Altered need for sleep
D) Altered food intake

Question 10

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?

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.