acetaminophen 1
What is the theraputic class for acetaminophen
antipyretics
what lab test considerations should be considered with acetaminophen
increased serum bilirubin, LDH, AST, ALT and prothrombin time may indicate hepatotoxicity
what is acetaminophen used for in treatment?
Mild pain
fever
(with IV use, moderate pain)
what are 4 nursing implementations to consider when giving acetaminophen?
do not confuse acetminophen with acetazolamide
ensure dose is in mg or mL and do not exceed daily max limit
administer with a full glass of water on a full or empty stomach
How does Acetaminophen work?
Inhibits the creation of prostaglandins that serve as mediators of pain and fever
or easier said
stops the body from making chemicals that cause pain, swelling, and fever. So when prostaglandins are reduced, pain and fever go down.
Describe acetaminophen absorption, distribution, mentabolism, excretion
absorption-well absorbed in oral administration, rectal is variable, IV results in complete bioavailability (uptake of drug)
Distribution- widely distributed, crosses placenta, enters breast milk in low concentrations
metabolism- metabolized by liver (CYP2E1 enzyme system)
Excreted by kidneys
Name the 4 life-threatening adverse reactions to Acetameinophen
Steven-Johnson syndrome (rash)
Acute Generalized Exanthematous pustulosis (rash)
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (rash)
Hepatoxtoxicity (higher doses)
Nursing assessment for acetaminophen
Assess overall health, nourishment, alcohol usage before administration
assess dosage, frequency, type of drugs taken in patients self-medication.
ASSESS FOR RASH, especially if accompanied with fever and other symptoms
Name side effects of acetaminophen
hyper/hypotension
rash, constipation (children), nausea, vomiting
hypokalemia
Increased liver enzymes, renal failure
Neutropenia, pancytopenia
muscle spasms, trimus, dyspnea
agitation (Children), anxiety (IV), headache (IV), fatigue (IV), insomnia (IV)
what are 4 important patient teachings with acetaminophen
Advise parents or caregivers to check concentrations of liquid preparations (all liquid concentrations come in 160/5mL)
Caution parents to check labels on all OTC products, avoid taking more than one product with this med to prevent hepatoxicity
advise pt to avoid alcohol and to notify doctor is rash occurs
chronic use of >4g/day may lead to hepatotoxicity