Acetaminophen

Question 1

What is the therapeutic use for Acetaminophen?

Answer 1

analgesia for mild to moderate pain and fever reduction

Question 2

What are the adverse effects?

Answer 2

liver damager from overdose and hypertension with daily use (particularly females)

Question 3

What are nursing interventions?

Answer 3

• Monitor for early manifestations of overdose/poisoning (abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea); liver damage results in 48 to 72 hr following overdose.
• Prepare to administer acetylcysteine orally or IV to counteract overdose and reduce liver injury.
• Monitor blood pressure.

Question 4

How can it be administered?

Answer 4

orally or rectally

Question 5

Why would we have to use the rectal route?

Answer 5

if pt can’t stop vomiting.

Question 6

What signs should pt report immediately?

Answer 6

any abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea

have blood pressure checked regularly

Question 7

What are contraindications of acetaminophen?

Answer 7

alcohol use disorder

Question 8

What should you check/test for before adminsitering to pt?

Answer 8

if they have anemia, are immunosuppressed or have hepatic or kidney disease.

Question 9

What are drug to drug interactions?

Answer 9

• Alcohol increases the risk of liver injury (with high doses of acetaminophen).
• Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding.
• Cholestyramine reduces absorption.