NursingPlex
    Sign In
    Ati mental health rn 400 proctored exam 3

    All of the following are side effects of stimulants except

    Explanation & Rationale

    A. Tachycardia. Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) increase dopamine and norepinephrine levels, leading to sympathetic nervous system activation. This can cause tachycardia, increased blood pressure, and palpitations, making cardiovascular monitoring important in patients taking stimulants. B. Decreased appetite. Stimulants suppress appetite, often leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies in children and adolescents. This is due to their effect on the hypothalamus, which regulates hunger and satiety. C. Delayed growth. Chronic stimulant use has been associated with temporary growth suppression in children, possibly due to reduced appetite and changes in growth hormone regulation. However, growth typically normalizes after drug holidays or discontinuation. D. Drooling (sialorrhea) is not a side effect of stimulants. Instead, it is more commonly associated with antipsychotics like clozapine, which cause excessive salivation due to muscarinic receptor effects. Stimulants, if anything, may cause dry mouth rather than drooling.

    🔒 Submit your answer to reveal