Question

A toddler is brought to the emergency department after ingesting several tablets of acetaminophen from a bottle that the toddler found in the mother's purse. The healthcare provider prescribes N-acetylcysteine solution for oral administration. Which action should the nurse implement if the child vomits?

a. Teach parents about poison prevention in young children
b. Lavage activated charcoal before giving acetylcysteine dose
c. If dose is vomited within one hour of administration, repeat that oral dose
d. Obtain blood samples to monitor liver function

Answer 1

c. If dose is vomited within one hour of administration, repeat that oral dose .In case of acetaminophen overdose and subsequent vomiting of N-acetylcysteine within one hour, the dose should be repeated and liver function monitoring is advised.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a child vomits the dose of N-acetylcysteine within one hour of administration after ingesting a potentially toxic amount of acetaminophen, the appropriate nursing action is to repeat that oral dose. This guideline is crucial for ensuring the child receives the full protective benefit of the antidote against potential liver damage. Further medical management should include monitoring the child's liver function through blood tests, as liver toxicity is a serious risk with acetaminophen overdose. It is also important to provide poison prevention education to the parents to prevent future incidents.

If the child vomits after taking N-acetylcysteine solution for oral administration, the nurse should repeat that oral dose if the vomit occurs within one hour of administration. This is because vomiting within one hour may result in insufficient absorption of the medication. However, if the child vomits after one hour, the nurse should not repeat the dose. Instead, they should monitor the child's condition and consult with the healthcare provider if necessary.