A 6-year-old client is prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) for a diagnosis of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). When teaching the parents about this medication, which nursing statement explains how Ritalin works?
A. "Ritalin's sedation side effect assists children by decreasing their energy level."
B. "How Ritalin works is unknown. Although it is a stimulant, it does combat the symptoms of ADHD."
C. "Ritalin helps the child focus by decreasing the amount of dopamine in the basal ganglia and neuron synapse."
D. "Ritalin decreases hyperactivity by increasing serotonin levels."
ANS: B
It is unknown how Ritalin works, but even though it is a stimulant, it does decrease hyperactivity in individuals diagnosed with ADHD.
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