The 8-year-old patient is receiving methylphenidate (Ritalin). The patient's mother tells the nurse that he won't eat while on his medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "It sounds like he is becoming depressed. I will speak to the doctor about starting an antidepressant medication."
2. "Give the medication after meals and encourage him to have supplements between meals."
3. "You are right to be concerned. I will speak to the doctor about starting an appetite stimulant medication."
4. "This is a very serious concern; it would be best for him to see a nutritionist for counseling."

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: There isn't any evidence to support that the patient is becoming depressed.
Rationale 2: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an appetite suppressant. The best approach is to have the patient take the medication after meals and consume nutritious supplements between meals.
Rationale 3: It is premature to start an appetite stimulant medication without trying other strategies first.
Rationale 4: Seeing a nutritionist is premature at this time.
Global Rationale: Methylphenidate (Ritalin) is an appetite suppressant. The best approach is to have the patient take the medication after meals and consume nutritious supplements between meals. Seeing a nutritionist is premature at this time. There isn't any evidence to support that the patient is becoming depressed. It is premature to start an appetite stimulant medication without trying other strategies first.