Page 2076 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

B. Acetaminophen

1. Description
a. Acetaminophen inhibits prostaglandin
synthesis.
b. Used to decrease pain and fever

c. Should not be taken if liver

dysfunction exists
2. Side and adverse effects
a. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting
b. Rash
c. Hypoglycemia
d. Oliguria

e. Hepatotoxicity

3. Interventions

a. Monitor vital signs.
b. Assess client for history of liver and
renal dysfunction, alcoholism, and
malnutrition.
c. Monitor for hepatic damage, which
includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
and abdominal pain.
d. Monitor liver enzyme test results.
e. Instruct the client that self-medication
should not be used longer than 10 days
for an adult and 5 days for a child.
f. Note that the antidote for
acetaminophen is acetylcysteine.
g. Evaluate for the effectiveness of the
medication.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in

clients with hepatic or renal disease, alcoholism,
and/or hypersensitivity.
VII. Opioid Analgesics
A. Description
1. Opioid analgesics suppress pain impulses but can
suppress respiration and coughing by acting on the
respiratory and cough center in the medulla of the
brainstem.
2. They can produce euphoria and sedation and can
cause physical dependence.

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