The nurse is caring for an adolescent client diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who is prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) therapy. The client reports and questions the nurse why they have lost 10 pounds in 2-months. Which of the following should be the appropriate response by the nurse?

The pharmacological action of Ritalin causes a decrease in appetite.

Side effects of Ritalin cause nausea; therefore, caloric intake is decreased.

Increased ability to concentrate allows the client to focus on activities rather than food.

Hyperactivity seen in ADHD causes increased caloric expenditure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. The pharmacological action of Ritalin causes a decrease in appetite. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a stimulant medication commonly prescribed for ADHD. One of its well-documented side effects is appetite suppression, which can lead to weight loss. This is the most accurate and direct explanation for the weight loss observed in the adolescent client.

B. Side effects of Ritalin cause nausea; therefore, caloric intake is decreased. While nausea can occur with methylphenidate, it is not the primary reason for weight loss. The main mechanism is appetite suppression rather than a direct reduction in caloric intake due to nausea. This response is less accurate than option A.

C. Increased ability to concentrate allows the client to focus on activities rather than food: While methylphenidate can improve concentration, this explanation does not directly address the physiological cause of weight loss. It is the decrease in appetite due to the drug's effects on neurotransmitters that leads to weight loss, not the increased focus on activities .

D. Hyperactivity seen in ADHD causes increased caloric expenditure: Hyperactivity itself can lead to higher caloric expenditure, but this is not directly related to the weight loss caused by methylphenidate. The primary reason for the weight loss in this case is the appetite suppression due to the medication, not increased activity .

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A. Medication side effects: Certain medications can cause cognitive impairment that mimics dementia, but this condition is often reversible if the medication is adjusted or discontinued.

B. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can lead to cognitive impairment that may be reversible with appropriate thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

C. Vitamin B12 deficiency: Deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause cognitive deficits that are often reversible with supplementation.

D. Multiple small brain infarcts: This condition, often associated with vascular dementia, usually leads to permanent brain damage and is typically not reversible.

A. Increased metabolic rate B. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure C. Fear of weight gain D. Excessive thirst and frequent urination E. Excessive weight loss

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

A. Increased metabolic rate: Anorexia typically results in a decreased metabolic rate due to malnutrition and a significant reduction in energy intake.

B. Decreased heart rate and blood pressure: Malnutrition and dehydration associated with anorexia can lead to bradycardia and hypotension.

C. Fear of weight gain: A hallmark of anorexia nervosa is an intense fear of gaining weight and a persistent behavior to avoid weight gain.

D. Excessive thirst and frequent urination: These symptoms are not typically associated with anorexia and are more characteristic of conditions such as diabetes.

E. Excessive weight loss: Significant weight loss is a primary feature of anorexia nervosa, often leading to severe underweight status and associated health complications.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A new nurse is teaching a nursing student in the mental health unit. The nurse explains that an example of a treatable (reversible) form of Neurocognitive disorder is caused by which of the following? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with an eating disorder. The nurse is aware which findings are commonly associated with clients who have anorexia? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client in an adolescent unit. What is the nurse's priority when caring for a client with Asperger's disorder?

A nurse in an acute care facility is assessing a client who had hip surgery and has Alzheimer's disease. The nurse asks the client how therapy went that morning. Which of the following statements by the client should the nurse document as confabulation?

A nurse is providing teaching to a group of parents about risk factors for conduct disorder (CD). Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include?

A nurse is speaking with the parents of a 4-year-old child who has a terminal illness. The parents tell the nurse they have taken their son's name off the list for little league baseball next season. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a client with an eating disorder. Which safety considerations should the nurse prioritize for a client with Binge eating disorder? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has been brought to the inpatient mental health unit by law enforcement officers after becoming aggressive in a local bar. The nurse should identify that this finding is consistent with which of the following disorders?

A nurse is assessing a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?