A nurse is assessing an adolescent who began taking atomoxetine 1 month ago. Which of the following findings is an indication the medication is effective?
Decrease in impulsivity
Decrease in fasting blood glucose level
Decrease in weight
Decrease in blood pressure
The Correct Answer is A
A. Decrease in impulsivity: Atomoxetine is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used in the management of ADHD. Its therapeutic effect is seen as improved attention span, reduced impulsivity, and better behavioral control. A decrease in impulsivity indicates improved executive functioning and is a direct marker of medication effectiveness in adolescents.
B. Decrease in fasting blood glucose level: Atomoxetine does not have a primary effect on glucose metabolism. Changes in fasting blood glucose are not used to evaluate its therapeutic efficacy and would be unrelated to its mechanism of action on norepinephrine pathways in the central nervous system.
C. Decrease in weight: Weight changes, particularly decreased appetite and potential weight loss, are recognized adverse effects of atomoxetine. While monitoring growth is important, weight reduction is not an indicator of therapeutic success and may instead require nutritional assessment.
D. Decrease in blood pressure: Atomoxetine is more commonly associated with mild increases in blood pressure due to its sympathomimetic effects. A decrease in blood pressure is not expected and does not reflect improved ADHD symptom control, making it an unreliable indicator of effectiveness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Skin examination with a specialist 1 time annually: Routine annual full-body skin examinations by a dermatologist are generally recommended for adults at higher risk for skin cancer (e.g., fair skin, family history, significant sun exposure). For a young adult with no risk factors, self-examinations and sun protection are prioritized over formal annual specialist visits.
B. Colonoscopy every 3 years: Colonoscopy screening is generally recommended starting at age 45 for average-risk adults, with intervals of 10 years if no pathology is found. For a young adult, colonoscopy every 3 years is not indicated unless there are specific risk factors such as familial adenomatous polyposis or early-onset colorectal cancer history.
C. Hearing check every 2 years: Routine hearing assessments are typically not recommended for healthy young adults unless there is evidence of hearing loss, occupational risk, or exposure to loud noise. Standard preventive guidelines prioritize other screenings for this age group.
D. Dental cleaning every 6 months: Regular dental visits every 6 months for cleaning and oral health assessment are recommended for young adults. Preventive dental care helps reduce the risk of caries, periodontal disease, and other oral health complications, making it a key routine screening and maintenance practice for this population.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Use an extension cord to plug in space heaters.": Using extension cords for high-powered appliances like space heaters is a significant fire hazard. Space heaters should be plugged directly into wall outlets to prevent overheating, electrical sparks, or potential ignition of nearby combustible materials.
B. "Install smoke alarms on each floor of your home.": Installing smoke alarms on every floor, including near bedrooms and common areas, is a key evidence-based intervention to reduce the risk of fatal injuries from fire. Smoke detectors provide early warning, allowing timely evacuation and decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with household fires.
C. "Set your water heater to 130°F.": Setting the water heater to 130°F increases the risk of thermal burns, particularly in older adults and children. The CDC and Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend a safe water heater setting of 120°F to prevent scalding while still providing adequate hot water.
D. "Place electrical cords under carpeting.": Running cords under rugs or carpeting increases the risk of overheating, electrical fires, and tripping hazards. Cords should remain visible and out of high-traffic areas, and damaged cords should be replaced to prevent accidents.
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