An adolescent Hispanic male with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is taking methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Question

The adolescent will not go to the school nurse at noon for his medication. Which statement best describes the likely result of the nurse's assessment?
1. The adolescent really does not need an additional dose of methylphenidate (Ritalin) at school.
2. The adolescent is embarrassed about having to take medicine at school; it is a social stigma.
3. The adolescent is fearful that this drug might be a "gateway drug" and he will abuse other substances.
4. The adolescent has developed alternative coping mechanisms to increase his focus during classes.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a short-acting drug, and doses must be administered about 4 hours apart, so the client must receive a dose during school hours.
Rationale 2: Some clients believe that having to take drugs in school will cause them to be viewed as weak, unhealthy, or dependent. Clients can also perceive this as a social stigma.
Rationale 3: Appropriate treatment of ADHD will result in less addiction, not more addiction, to mood-altering substances.
Rationale 4: ADHD is a brain-based disorder, and the primary treatment is medication; alternative coping mechanisms do not usually help to increase focus.
Global Rationale: Some clients believe that having to take drugs in school will cause them to be viewed as weak, unhealthy, or dependent. Clients can also perceive this as a social stigma. Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is a short-acting drug, and doses must be administered about 4 hours apart, so the client must receive a dose during school hours. Appropriate treatment of ADHD will result in less addiction, not more addiction, to mood-altering substances. ADHD is a brain-based disorder, and the primary treatment is medication; alternative coping mechanisms do not usually help to increase focus.