Question

Andrew Flynn is an eight year old boy who is having more difficulty concentrating at school. He has had a neuropsych exam and it showed that the child has ADHD. Mother is anxious about starting medications on him. She would like a description of all the medications available for ADHD, what their actions are and side effects of all of the drugs. She has heard that he will need follow up laboratory studies and would like to know what they are for and how often.

His mother said his behavior has gotten to a point that the teacher is sending emails every day to the house on his inability to concentrate and his performance is poor. His mother says he is having trouble concentrating on homework in the evening time as well.  

She has noticed that his friends no longer call him to play. The soccer coach has asked that the parents stay during the practice as he is misbehaving and rough with the other children. When the mom asks Andrew about this behavior he does not realize he is doing any harm to the children. The mother is asking what treatment plans are available for this child and what other treatments might be helpful.

Data Obtained From Nursing Assessment

Weight 49 lbs, Height 48 inches

Mom complains he never stops moving

CONSIDER THE CORE DRUG KNOWLEDGE FOR EACH OF THESE DRUGS

Identify different treatment protocols for ADHD.

Identify what drugs would be used.

Discuss what lab data would be needed and how often.

Compare and contrast the different drugs implementation and precautions.

What patient teaching would be reviewed with the client?

CONSIDER THE CORE PATIENT VARIABLES FOR EACH OF THESE DRUGS

What patient variables are most important to consider for Andrew when assessing her drug therapy?

Are there any aspects of core drug knowledge that are especially relevant to consider because they may interact with the core patient variables?

Which of the findings from the nursing assessment demonstrate effectiveness of drug therapy?

Which of the findings from the nursing assessment demonstrate possible adverse effects from drug therapy?

CONSIDER THE NURSING MANAGEMENT NEEDED WITH THESE DRUG THERAPies

What actions are indicated to maximize therapeutic effects?

What actions are indicated to minimize adverse effects?

What teaching is required for Andrew regarding her drug therapy? Do you need any additional data to determine appropriate teaching?

Answer 1

different treatment protocols for ADHD

• pharmacological
• psychological therapy

Drugs to be used to treat Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

• CNS stimulants: Dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors
• clonidine

lab test

ADHD is caused by deficiency of norepinephrine and can be identified by analysing spinal fluid, serum and urine. but, mainly ADHD is diagnosed with clinical history and observations.