Final answer:
The nurse should follow the healthcare facility's policy and advise the housekeeping employee to consult with their healthcare provider or refer them to a pharmacy to obtain acetaminophen. They should also caution the employee about the risks of liver damage with excessive use of the medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a housekeeping employee approaches a staff nurse with a headache and requests acetaminophen, the nurse should respond with professionalism and by following the healthcare facility's policy on medication administration to non-patients. Typically, nurses are not authorized to distribute medications to anyone who is not an admitted patient under their care. The nurse could advise the employee to consult with their healthcare provider or refer them to the pharmacy where they could purchase acetaminophen over the counter. It's important to note that while acetaminophen is effective for relieving pain and fever, taking a higher dose than recommended can be dangerous and lead to severe liver damage. The employee should be reminded to follow the dosage instructions on the label and to be aware of the risks associated with excess intake, especially if they consume three or more alcoholic beverages a day.