Final answer:
Acetylcysteine is the drug a nurse would anticipate being used to treat a patient experiencing hepatotoxicity from an acetaminophen overdose, as it is the antidote that essentially neutralizes the toxic metabolites of acetaminophen.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient has taken more than the prescribed amount of acetaminophen and is experiencing hepatotoxicity, the nurse can expect the healthcare provider to use Acetylcysteine to treat the patient. This choice stands out among the others listed: Naloxone, Tramadol, and Oxycodone because Acetylcysteine is an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning. It works by replenishing intracellular glutathione, a substance that detoxifies the harmful metabolite of acetaminophen. Acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe damage to the liver, which can be life-threatening. It is imperative to avoid taking higher doses than recommended and to be cautious when administering acetaminophen, especially in children, due to the risk of liver damage. Naloxone and Oxycodone are opioid antagonists and pain relievers, respectively, and are not used to treat acetaminophen overdose. Tramadol is also a pain reliever and not an antidote to acetaminophen toxicity.