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64.A patient with liver failure takes acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg tablets by mouth for severe arthritis pain. How many tablets should the nurse instruct that the patient can safely take in one 24 hour period?

a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

The precise safe dosage of acetaminophen for a patient with liver failure is not provided and would typically be determined by a healthcare provider. Without clear instructions, only the healthcare provider's recommendation should guide the safe dosage for this patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question at hand pertains to the maximum safe dosage of acetaminophen (Tylenol) that a patient with liver failure can take in one 24-hour period. Given that the patient takes 650 mg tablets, and considering the heightened risks for liver damage, the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for an adult with normal liver function is up to 3000 mg per day. However, for a patient with liver failure, the dose would likely be lower to avoid potential liver damage. The exact safe dose would depend on the recommendations of a healthcare provider. Without specific instructions from a healthcare provider, the safest choice would be the lowest possible dose, which could be one tablet of 650 mg. However, because the question does not provide the recommended lower limit for patients with liver failure, and typically, 4 grams (4000 mg) is the upper limit for healthy adults, the safest assumption here is that the correct answer is not identified as we do not have enough information about the health provider's instructions and should not recommend a dosage. Hence, the nurse should consult with the patient's healthcare provider to determine the safe and appropriate dose.

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