A nurse is administering acetaminophen to a child who has a fever caused by immunization.
Which of the following forms of acetaminophen should the nurse use?

The nurse should use oral liquid acetaminophen to administer the drug to a child who has a fever caused by immunization.This is because oral liquid is easier to swallow and measure for children than oral tablets or capsules.Oral liquid acetaminophen also has a faster onset of action than rectal suppositories.

Choice A is wrong because oral tablets are not suitable for children who may have difficulty swallowing pills.Crushing the tablets may alter the drug’s effectiveness or cause adverse effects.

Choice C is wrong because rectal suppositories are not the preferred route of administration for acetaminophen in children.Rectal suppositories may cause irritation, leakage, or expulsion of the drug.They also have a slower onset of action and variable absorption than oral liquid.

Choice D is wrong because intravenous injection is not an over-the-counter form of acetaminophen.Intravenous injection is a prescription form that is used for severe pain or fever in hospitalized patients.It also requires special equipment and monitoring that are not available at home.

This statement indicates that the client understands that abdominal pain and nausea are signs of acetaminophen overdose, which can cause liver damage.

The client should seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

Choice B is wrong because drinking plenty of fluids does not prevent kidney damage from acetaminophen overdose.In fact, dehydration can worsen the toxicity of acetaminophen.

Choice C is wrong because acetaminophen does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia is more likely to occur with drugs that lower blood sugar, such as insulin or sulfonylureas.

Choice D is wrong because acetaminophen does not cause dry mouth or sore throat.These are not signs of acetaminophen overdose and do not require medical attention.