The mother of an 8-year-old client who is receiving methylphenidate (Ritalin) tells the nurse that ...

Correct Answer: 4

Rationale 1: Is your child having problems at school? is incorrect because although school problems could be related to insomnia, the nurse should assess for side effects of the medication.
Rationale 2: Do you give the medication with food? is incorrect because there is no relationship between the side effect of insomnia and the intake of food.
Rationale 3: Does your child have sleep apnea? is incorrect because sleep apnea is uncommon in children.
Rationale 4: Stimulants such as methylphenidate cause insomnia. It is important for the nurse to know when the drug is taken. Methylphenidate should be taken early in the day to prevent insomnia.

Global Rationale: Stimulants such as methylphenidate cause insomnia. It is important for the nurse to know when the drug is taken. Methylphenidate should be taken early in the day to prevent insomnia. Is your child having problems at school? is incorrect because although school problems could be related to insomnia, the nurse should assess for side effects of the medication. Do you give the medication with food? is incorrect because there is no relationship between the side effect of insomnia and the intake of food. Does your child have sleep apnea? is incorrect because sleep apnea is uncommon in children.