Chapter 13, Problem 1CS

(1)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Therapeutic effects of methylphenidate.

Case summary:

N., is a 13 year old girl, diagnosed with an attention deficit hypersentivity disorder (ADHD). She is studying in seventh grade and a clarinet player in the school orchestra. Her parents noticed that she had trouble in focusing on music and assignments for the past one year. Her parents have discussed about her problems with her paediatrician. He has prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) 5 mg twice daily for two weeks by increasing the dose to 10 mg daily if no improvements were observed.

(2)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

Mother of N calls the physician and reports that N. is doing well in school, but her music band teacher reports that N gets restless during and after the rehearsals. She also informs that N is unable to sleep and staying awake for a long time at night. What should be the suggestions of a staff nurse involved?

Case summary:

N., is a 13 year old girl, diagnosed with an attention deficit hypersentivity disorder (ADHD). She is studying in seventh grade and a clarinet player in the school orchestra. Her parents noticed that she had trouble in focusing on music and assignments for the past one year. Her parents have discussed about her problems with her paediatrician. He has prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) 5 mg twice daily for two weeks by increasing the dose to 10 mg daily if no improvements were observed.

(3)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

At the end of two months check-up, the physician suggests N’s mother that ‘she can hold the drug during weekends and administer only on weekdays’ though N is at school. Height and weight measurements are taken, in addition. What is the reason for this “drug holiday” and the purpose of height and weight measurements?

Case summary:

N., is a 13 years old girl, diagnosed with attention deficit hypersentivity disorder (ADHD). She is studying in seventh grade and a clarinet player in school band. Her parents noticed that she had trouble in focusing on music and assignments for the past one year. Her parents have discussed about her problems with her paediatrician. He has prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) 5 mg two twice daily for two weeks by increasing the dose to 10 mg daily if no improvements were observed.

(4)

Summary Introduction

To determine:

When it is time for a Ritalin refill, mother of N calls (on phone) the pharmacy. The pharmacist tells that he cannot refill this medication by phone and ask her to bring a new prescription for a refill. What is the reason for this?

Case summary:

N., is a 13 years old girl, diagnosed with attention deficit hypersentivity disorder (ADHD). She is studying in seventh grade and a clarinet player in school band. Her parents noticed that she had trouble in focusing on music and assignments for the past one year. Her parents have discussed about her problems with her paediatrician. He has prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin) 5 mg two twice daily for two weeks by increasing the dose to 10 mg daily if no improvements were observed.