A patient states during a medical history that he takes several acetaminophen tablets throughout the day. The nurse teaches the patient that the dosage should not exceed which amount?

1 g/day

2 g/day

4 g/day

6 g/day

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Acetaminophen is widely used for pain and fever, but overdose can cause severe hepatotoxicity. Safe dosing limits are critical to prevent liver damage, especially in patients taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products.

Rationale for correct answer:

C. 4 g/day:
The maximum recommended adult dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day when taken in divided doses. Exceeding this amount increases the risk of liver injury or acute liver failure, particularly in patients who consume alcohol or have preexisting liver disease.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

A. 1 g/day:
This is well below the therapeutic maximum. While safe, it may not provide adequate analgesia or antipyresis for adults.

B. 2 g/day:
This is below the recommended upper limit for healthy adults and may be unnecessarily restrictive for short-term use.

D. 6 g/day:
This exceeds the safe limit and significantly increases the risk of hepatotoxicity, even with short-term use.

Take-home points:

Do not exceed 4 g/day of acetaminophen for adults.
Assess all sources of acetaminophen, including combination OTC and prescription products.
Monitor for signs of liver injury such as jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain in patients using high or chronic doses.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Aspirin is a salicylate commonly prescribed for its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects in conditions like arthritis. However, it carries a risk of toxicity (salicylism), especially with long-term or high-dose use. One of the earliest warning signs of toxicity is tinnitus, which must be promptly reported to prevent progression to severe complications.

Rationale for correct answer:
A. Tinnitus: Persistent ringing in the ears is a hallmark early symptom of salicylism. Reporting it immediately allows the provider to adjust the dose or discontinue therapy before more serious effects (vertigo, metabolic acidosis, respiratory depression) develop.

Rationale for incorrect answers:
B. Seizures: While seizures may occur in severe salicylate poisoning, they are a late and rare manifestation. The nurse should emphasize earlier warning signs like tinnitus rather than seizures.
C. Sinusitis: This is unrelated to aspirin use and not an expected adverse effect.
D. Palpitations: Aspirin does not typically cause palpitations. Cardiac symptoms are not primary concerns with salicylates.

Take-home points:

Tinnitus is an early indicator of aspirin toxicity and must be reported promptly.
Salicylism may progress to more severe CNS and metabolic effects if unrecognized.
Patient teaching for long-term aspirin use should focus on GI safety (ulcer risk) and early signs of toxicity.

A. naloxone (Narcan) B. meloxicam (Mobic) C. pentazocine (Talwin) D. propoxyphene (Darvon)

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Morphine and other opioids can cause serious adverse effects when overdosed, including respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypotension, and pinpoint pupils. These are classic signs of opioid toxicity, and prompt reversal is critical to prevent respiratory and cardiac arrest. The antidote is naloxone (Narcan), an opioid receptor antagonist.

Rationale for correct answer:
A. Naloxone (Narcan): Naloxone binds to opioid receptors and displaces morphine, reversing respiratory depression, bradycardia, and CNS depression within minutes. It is the life-saving antidote in cases of opioid overdose.

Rationale for incorrect answers:
B. Meloxicam (Mobic): This is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for arthritis pain. It does not reverse opioid toxicity.
C. Pentazocine (Talwin): A mixed agonist–antagonist opioid. While it has some antagonistic activity, it is not appropriate for treating life-threatening respiratory depression.
D. Propoxyphene (Darvon): A weak opioid analgesic (now largely discontinued due to toxicity). It would worsen opioid overdose rather than treat it.

Take-home points:

Naloxone is the emergency antidote for opioid overdose.
Classic signs of opioid toxicity: respiratory depression, bradycardia, pinpoint pupils, cold/clammy skin.
Prompt reversal prevents respiratory and cardiac arrest in opioid emergencies.

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A patient states during a medical history that he takes several acetaminophen tablets throughout the day. The nurse teaches the patient that the dosage should not exceed which amount?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is taking aspirin for arthritis. Which adverse reaction should the nurse teach the patient to report to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Assessing a patient following IV morphine administration, the nurse notes cold, clammy skin; a pulse of 40 beats/min; respirations of 10 breaths/min; and constricted pupils. Which medication will the patient likely need next?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The nurse is teaching a patient about taking aspirin. Which are important points for the nurse to include? Select all that apply

Several patients have standard orders for acetaminophen as needed for pain. While reviewing their histories and assessments, the nurse discovers that one of the patients has a contraindication to acetaminophen therapy. Which patient should receive an alternate medication?

A patient states during a medical history that he takes several acetaminophen tablets throughout the day. The nurse teaches the patient that the dosage should not exceed which amount?

While preparing aspirin for a patient, the nurse reviewed which of the pharmacologic effects of salicylates? Select all that apply

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