Your manager asks you to see a client who appears to be decompensating. He has s
ID: 126316 • Letter: Y
Question
Your manager asks you to see a client who appears to be decompensating. He has stopped coming to the center and his wife asks you for assistance. She says he is not eating, sleeps all day and rarely gets out of the house. He is talking gibberish to himself and mumbles profanities. She is afraid that he may harm her or their 3-year-old child. She further tells you she thinks he may be doing drugs but does not know which ones. She says the last time he was like this he attempted suicide through overdosing on his psych meds. He takes Ritalin for adult ADHD.
What is your first priority in this case? Why?
What type of treatment would you suggest? Why?
What types of therapy might help this client stay on track? Why
Explanation / Answer
Ritalin is a stimulant that is often prescribed for treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It has a potential for abuse and having effects like cocaine.
Some signs of Ritalin overdose:
Dizziness
Confusion
Hallucinations
Irritability
Hostile behavior
Abnormal heart rhythm
Ritalin overdose treatment:
Medical detox is available for people to stop abuse.
Immediate measure after emergency overdose effects are gastric lavage to evacuate the excess amount of medications.
Detoxification measure through GI tract include administration of activated charcoal and a cathartic.
May need intensive care unit support for proper maintaining of adequate circulation and respiration.
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