Final answer:
When administering Methylphenidate for ADHD treatment, the nurse should particularly monitor for elevated blood pressure, as stimulants commonly increase blood pressure and heart rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering Methylphenidate, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant for ADHD, the nurse should monitor for elevated blood pressure. Methylphenidate, like other stimulant medications used to treat ADHD, works by increasing neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, in areas of the brain associated with impulse control and attention. It is well-known that stimulants can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate as side effects. Therefore, monitoring for cardiovascular changes, especially elevations in blood pressure, is crucial when administering this medication. Other possible effects include decreased appetite and increased alertness, which are therapeutic outcomes in ADHD treatment.
It is important not to confuse the effects of CNS stimulant medications with those of central nervous system depressants, which can lead to respiratory depression and hypoactive reflexes; these are not effects typically associated with stimulants like Methylphenidate. Increased gastrointestinal motility also is not a primary concern with Methylphenidate, as stimulants tend to decrease appetite and can slow digestion.