Questions and Answers
What is the medication Acetaminophen commonly known as?
What classification does Acetaminophen fall under?
Central analgesic, non-narcotic analgesic, antipyretic.
What is the primary use of Acetaminophen?
Relief of mild to moderate pain, fever.
What is the action of Acetaminophen?
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List one contraindication for using Acetaminophen.
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What is a possible side effect of Acetaminophen?
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What should be assessed before administering Acetaminophen for analgesia?
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The written dose of Acetaminophen for administration is _____ mg q4h PO.
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Is the dose of 650mg q4h appropriate for a patient?
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Why is the patient taking Acetaminophen?
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Study Notes
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Overview
- Acetaminophen is a common medication used for pain relief and reducing fever.
- Available under the brand name Tylenol.
Drug Classification
- Classified as a central analgesic and non-narcotic analgesic.
- Functions as an antipyretic, helping to lower fever.
Therapeutic Uses
- Effective for relief of mild to moderate pain.
- Used commonly to alleviate fever.
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Affects pain pathways both centrally and peripherally.
- Acts on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center leading to peripheral vasodilation.
Contraindications
- Should not be used by individuals with active alcoholism.
- Not recommended for those with hepatic disease or viral hepatitis due to increased risk of hepatotoxicity.
Side Effects
- Possible hypersensitivity reactions may occur in some patients.
Nursing Considerations
- Observe onset, type, location, and duration of pain if used for analgesia.
- Effectiveness may diminish if pain recurs before the next scheduled dose.
- Monitor for fever and assess alcohol usage.
- Evaluate the clinical improvement in pain or fever relief since severe symptoms might indicate serious underlying issues.
- Advise patients not to exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) in a 24-hour period.
Dosage Information
- Common dosing schedule: Tylenol 650 mg taken every 4 hours orally (q4h PO).
Dose Appropriateness
- A dosage of 650 mg every 4 hours results in a total of 3900 mg in a 24-hour period, which is below the maximum recommended dose of 4 grams.
Patient Reason for Use
- The patient is taking acetaminophen due to mild pain, rated as a 4 on a numeric pain scale.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Acetaminophen (Tylenol) with these flashcards. Covering its classification, uses, and mechanisms of action, this quiz is essential for anyone in the medical field. Perfect for students and healthcare professionals alike!
