Examine Case Study: A Young Caucasian Girl with ADHD

Case Study: A Young Caucasian Girl with ADHDLinks to an external site.
You will be asked to make three decisions concerning the medication to prescribe to this patient. Be sure to consider factors that might impact the patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes.
At each decision point, you should evaluate all options before selecting your decision and moving throughout the exercise. Before you make your decision, make sure that you have researched each option and that you evaluate the decision that you will select. Be sure to research each option using the primary literature.
Introduction to the case (1 page)
• Briefly explain and summarize the case for this Assignment. Be sure to include the specific patient factors that may impact your decision making when prescribing medication for this patient.
Decision #1 (1 page)
• Which decision did you select?
• Why did you select this decision? Be specific and support your response with clinically relevant and patient-specific resources, including the primary literature.
• Why did you not select the other two options provided in the exercise? Be specific and support your response with clinically relevant and patient-specific resources, including the primary literature.
• What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources (including the primary literature).
• Explain how ethical considerations may impact your treatment plan and communication with patients. Be specific and provide examples.
Decision #2 (1 page)
• Why did you select this decision? Be specific and support your response with clinically relevant and patient-specific resources, including the primary literature.
• Why did you not select the other two options provided in the exercise? Be specific and support your response with clinically relevant and patient-specific resources, including the primary literature.
• What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources (including the primary literature).
• Explain how ethical considerations may impact your treatment plan and communication with patients. Be specific and provide examples.
Decision #3 (1 page)
• Why did you select this decision? Be specific and support your response with clinically relevant and patient-specific resources, including the primary literature.
• Why did you not select the other two options provided in the exercise? Be specific and support your response with clinically relevant and patient-specific resources, including the primary literature.
• What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? Support your response with evidence and references to the Learning Resources (including the primary literature).
• Explain how ethical considerations may impact your treatment plan and communication with patients. Be specific and provide examples.

Full Answer Section

   
  • Race: The patient is Caucasian, so I need to be aware of any potential racial differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the medication.
  • Medical history: The patient is otherwise healthy and has no other known medical conditions.
  • Family history: The patient has a brother who also has ADHD.
  • Social history: The patient lives with her parents and brother. She is a good student and enjoys playing sports.
Decision #1 Which decision did you select? I would select the following decision: Begin Ritalin (methylphenidate) chewable tablets 10 mg orally in the morning. Why did you select this decision? I selected this decision because methylphenidate is a first-line medication for the treatment of ADHD in children. It is a stimulant medication that works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in attention, focus, and impulse control. Methylphenidate is generally safe and effective for children with ADHD. It is well-studied and has a long track record of use. The most common side effects of methylphenidate are mild and include decreased appetite, insomnia, and nervousness. Why did you not select the other two options provided in the exercise? I did not select the other two options, atomoxetine and guanfacine, for the following reasons:
  • Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine in the brain. It is a second-line medication for the treatment of ADHD in children. Atomoxetine is generally safe and effective, but it can take several weeks to start working and it is less effective than methylphenidate at reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity.
  • Guanfacine is a non-stimulant medication that works by decreasing the activity of the central nervous system. It is a third-line medication for the treatment of ADHD in children. Guanfacine is generally safe and effective, but it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
What were you hoping to achieve by making this decision? I was hoping to achieve the following by making this decision:
  • Reduce the patient's symptoms of ADHD, including difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
  • Improve the patient's academic performance and social functioning.
  • Make it easier for the patient to manage her ADHD symptoms at home and in school.
How ethical considerations may impact your treatment plan and communication with patients. The following ethical considerations may impact my treatment plan and communication with patients:
  • I must ensure that the patient and her parents are informed about the benefits and risks of all medication options.
  • I must respect the patient's and her parents' autonomy in making decisions about her care.
  • I must be honest and transparent with the patient and her parents about my expectations for treatment.
  • I must monitor the patient closely for any side effects or adverse reactions to medication.
Conclusion I would recommend starting the patient on Ritalin (methylphenidate) chewable tablets 10 mg orally in the morning. This is a first-line medication for the treatment of ADHD in children that is generally safe and effective. I would work with the patient and her parents to monitor her response to medication and make adjustments as needed.  

Sample Answer

   

Introduction to the Case

The case study presents a young Caucasian girl with ADHD. She is 8 years old and has been experiencing symptoms of ADHD for the past two years. Her symptoms include difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. She has been struggling in school and at home.

The following patient factors may impact my decision making when prescribing medication:

  • Age: The patient is a child, so I need to be careful to select a medication that is safe and effective for children.
  • Sex: The patient is a girl, so I need to be aware of any potential sex differences in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the medication.