The nurse is deciding on a dosage schedule for methylphenidate (Ritalin). The nurse recognizes that which time is the most appropriate to administer this drug for maximum effectiveness?
Before breakfast or lunch
With meals
After dinner
At bedtime
The Correct Answer is A
A. Before breakfast or lunch
Methylphenidate (Ritalin), a stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is usually administered before breakfast or lunch for maximum effectiveness. This schedule helps align the peak concentration of the medication with the times when increased focus and attention are often needed, such as during school hours.
B. With meals
While it can be administered with meals, the goal is often to have the medication take effect before meals to help with focus and attention during activities like school or work.
C. After dinner
Administering methylphenidate after dinner may interfere with the patient's ability to fall asleep, as the medication can cause insomnia. It is generally recommended to avoid administering it in the late afternoon or evening.
D. At bedtime
Administering methylphenidate at bedtime is not appropriate due to the potential for insomnia. The stimulant effect of the medication is not aligned with the patient's sleep-wake cycle.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increase the amount of dopamine and reduce the amount of acetylcholine:
This is the correct answer. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a deficiency of dopamine, so medications aim to increase dopamine levels. Additionally, reducing the activity of acetylcholine helps to restore the balance between these neurotransmitters.
B. Increase the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:
This is not accurate. Increasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would not address the underlying imbalance seen in Parkinson's disease.
C. Reduce the amount of dopamine and increase the amount of acetylcholine:
This is incorrect. Parkinson's disease involves a reduction in dopamine levels, so reducing dopamine further would worsen the symptoms. Additionally, increasing acetylcholine is not the therapeutic goal in Parkinson's disease.
D. Reduce the amount of dopamine and acetylcholine:
This is not the correct approach. Decreasing both dopamine and acetylcholine would exacerbate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as the primary issue is the deficiency of dopamine.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Aspirin has the potential to cause gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding in children.
While it is true that aspirin can cause GI bleeding, this is not the primary concern in this scenario. Reye's syndrome, a severe and potentially fatal condition, is the more significant worry when aspirin is given to children with viral infections.
B. Aspirin has the potential to cause hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) is not a known effect of aspirin in children. Aspirin is not typically associated with glucose metabolism issues.
C. Aspirin has the potential to cause ringing in the ears (tinnitus) in children.
Tinnitus can occur with aspirin use, but it is not the primary concern in this situation. Reye's syndrome is a more serious and immediate risk associated with aspirin use in children with viral infections.
D. Aspirin has the potential to cause Reye's syndrome in children.
This is the correct and most significant concern. Reye's syndrome is a rare but severe condition associated with aspirin use in children during or after viral infections. It affects the liver and brain and can be life-threatening.
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