Question

Jeremy Crilly is a 7-year-old boy who has just been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The provider prescribes methylphenidate as part of his treatment. Jeremy’s mother, Rita, asks, “I want to help him but sometimes, I just get so frustrated with his behavior.”

What is the underlying rationale for the use of methylphenidate?

How might the medication therapy affect Jeremy’s growth? What follow-up would be appropriate to monitor for this effect?

What suggestions can the nurse provide to Jeremy’s mother to help her cope with this disorder?

Answer 1

What is the underlying rationale for the use of methylphenidate?

Methylphendiate has shown effective in improving attention in ADHD effected children,

able to control their actions

it is a cns stimulant

How might the medication therapy affect Jeremy’s growth? What follow-up would be appropriate to monitor for this effect?

-there is growth retardation ( decrease in gain of height by 1 to 1.5 cm/ year)

- it reduces glomerular activity,decrease urine flow,perfusion

-studies done on rats have shown permanent brain damage in children who tool methylphendate very early.

we have to regularly monitor the growth of child,

transient stomach pain,cold flu can be treated symptomatically.

What suggestions can the nurse provide to Jeremy’s mother to help her cope with this disorder?

-bebavior therapy techniques(positive reinforcement)

• Make a routine for child and stick to it every day.
• Break tasks into manageable pieces.
• Simplify and organize your child's life.
• try to Limit distractions
• Encourage exercise.
• Regulate sleep patterns.
• Encourage out-loud thinking.
• Promote wait time.