Question

An adolescent on medication for ADHD has lost 10 pounds in the past 2 months. Which explanation would the nurse anticipate?

A.) Medications used to treat people with ADHD causes decreased appetite.
B.) Hyperactivity causes excess physical activity, and therefore, increased caloric expenditure.
C.) Side effects of the medications used to treat people with ADHD include nausea and vomiting.
D.) Excessive stimulation least to decreased appetite.

Answer 1

The weight loss in an adolescent on ADHD medication is likely due to the decreased appetite side effect of stimulant medications like Methylphenidate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The explanation a nurse would anticipate for an adolescent on medication for ADHD who has lost 10 pounds in the past 2 months is A.) Medications used to treat people with ADHD causes decreased appetite. Stimulant medications, like Methylphenidate, are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD and have known side effects such as increased focus and alertness but also decreased appetite and need for sleep. These medications can paradoxically have a calming effect on patients with ADHD, but the reduced appetite can lead to weight loss as a side effect.