The parent of a child being treated for ADHD says a neighbor child with the same diagnosis is on a "drug holiday." How should the nurse explain this treatment option? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply

Question

1. "Drug holidays may be used to reduce dependence on medications or to assess symptoms."
2. "If you feel like the medication is sedating your child too much, you can hold doses for 3 or 4 days which is known as a drug holiday."
3. "Drug holidays are times when dosage is increased to assess the patient's tolerance to medications."
4. "You should not consider using a drug holiday until you have discussed that option with your provider."
5. "Drug holidays require careful scheduling."

Answer 1

1,4,5
Rationale 1: Some medications used for treatment of ADHD may result in dependence. Drug holidays are used to reduce risk of dependence and to assess for level of symptoms without medications.
Rationale 2: Drug holidays are not initiated by the parent without guidance.
Rationale 3: Dosage increases are not a part of drug holidays.
Rationale 4: Drug holidays should be undertaken only after careful consideration and discussion with the provider.
Rationale 5: Drug holidays should be scheduled around times that increased symptoms of ADHD will not interfere with school or other important activities.

Global Rationale: Some medications used for treatment of ADHD may result in dependence. Drug holidays are used to reduce risk of dependence and to assess for level of symptoms without medications. They should be undertaken only after careful consideration and discussion with the provider and should be scheduled around times that increased symptoms of ADHD will not interfere with school or other important activities. Drug holidays are not initiated by the parent without guidance. Dosage increases are not a part of drug holidays.