An Adolescent Patient Is Admitted After Ingesting 20 500-Mg Acetaminophen

question 4

Multiple Choice

An adolescent patient is admitted after ingesting 20 500-mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets as a suicide attempt. The patient is currently nauseated, vomiting, and diaphoretic with a BP of 96/52 What should be the priority in this patient's care?

• A) Have a serum acetaminophen level drawn.
• B) Observe for possible urticaria and bronchospasms.
• C) Provide the first oral dose of N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) in orange juice.
• D) Start an intravenous access line for rehydration.

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Definitions:

Carotid Baroreceptors

Sensors located in the carotid arteries that monitor blood pressure and relay information to the central nervous system to maintain stable blood pressure.

Glossopharyngeal Nerve

The glossopharyngeal nerve is the ninth cranial nerve, which has both sensory and motor functions, including taste sensation and stimulating muscle movement in swallowing.

Vagus Nerve

The tenth cranial nerve that is responsible for many functions including heart rate, digestion, and mood control.

Effector Organ

An organ or tissue that responds to neural or hormonal signals, carrying out the final response or action.