Question

The patient can receive acetaminophen 650 mg per rectum every six hours as needed for fever greater than 102º F. What is the proper technique for the nurse to administer this medication?

A. Insert the medication rectally and encourage the patient to retain it for at least 30 minutes.
B. Administer the medication orally with water.
C. Mix the medication with a saline solution before rectal administration.
D. Apply the medication to the patient's skin.

Answer 1

The correct technique for administering rectal acetaminophen is to insert the medication and have the patient retain it for at least 30 minutes. Acetaminophen should be dosed carefully to avoid liver damage, and dosing in children requires particular caution.

Correct option is A

Step-by-step explanation:

The proper technique for a nurse to administer acetaminophen 650 mg per rectum every six hours as needed for fever greater than 102º F is option A: Insert the medication rectally and encourage the patient to retain it for at least 30 minutes. The rectal administration of acetaminophen is a suitable alternative for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications or when oral administration is not recommended. This can include situations where the patient might have difficulty swallowing or when there's a risk of vomiting.

It is important to remember that taking a higher dose than recommended of acetaminophen will not provide more relief and can be dangerous. Overdosage can lead to liver damage and potentially death, particularly in those consuming three or more alcoholic beverages a day while using the medication. Special caution is advised when dosing children, as infant formulations are stronger than regular children's medications.

Acetaminophen's mechanism allows it to serve as a reasonable substitute for aspirin in providing analgesic or antipyretic effects, especially in patients who may experience adverse effects from aspirin, like peptic ulcers, gastric distress, or those for whom aspirin's anticoagulant action might be undesirable.