A 12-year-old boy with ADHD is being considered for stimulant medication. According to current guidelines, which investigation is recommended before initiating stimulant therapy to assess cardiac risk?
- A Echocardiography
- B 12-lead ECG
- C No routine cardiac investigation is required if history and physical examination are normal ✓
- D Cardiac MRI
Correct answer: C. No routine cardiac investigation is required if history and physical examination are normal
Explanation
Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association do not recommend routine ECG or other cardiac investigations before starting stimulants in children with a normal history and physical examination. A personal history of palpitations, syncope, or family history of sudden cardiac death should prompt further evaluation. Routine ECG screening has not been shown to be cost-effective.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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