Question

A client reports taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) to control osteoarthritis. Which instruction should the nurse give the patient requiring long-term acetaminophen use?

1)Caution the patient against combining acetaminophen with alcohol.
2)Explain that acetaminophen increases the risk for bleeding.
3)Advise taking acetaminophen with meals to prevent gastric irritation.
4)Explain that physical dependence may occur with long-term oral use.

Answer 1

The nurse should caution the patient against combining acetaminophen with alcohol to prevent liver damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

When instructing a patient requiring long-term acetaminophen use, the nurse should advise caution against combining acetaminophen with alcohol. This is because using acetaminophen while drinking alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage. It is important to note that acetaminophen does not increase the risk of bleeding, so option 2 can be eliminated. Taking acetaminophen with meals is not necessary to prevent gastric irritation, so option 3 is incorrect. Lastly, physical dependence does not occur with long-term oral use of acetaminophen, making option 4 incorrect.