What must be checked prior to administering stimulant medications for ADHD due to the risk of cardiac death?

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Before administering stimulant medications for ADHD, it is essential to conduct an EKG. This is due to the acknowledged association between stimulant medications and potential cardiac risks, including sudden cardiac death in certain individuals, particularly those with underlying heart conditions or abnormalities.

An EKG helps to assess the heart's electrical activity and can reveal potential issues, such as arrhythmias that could increase the risk of adverse cardiovascular events. This proactive step is critical in ensuring the patient's heart health is stable before starting treatment that could exacerbate any undiagnosed heart conditions.

Monitoring blood sugar levels, liver function tests, and thyroid function tests, while important in their respective contexts, do not specifically address the cardiac risks associated with stimulant medications used for ADHD treatment. Thus, the focus on obtaining an EKG is vital in the pre-treatment assessment.

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