A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing acetaminophen toxicity. The nurse should recognize that which of the following is the antidote used to reverse this toxicity?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. It works by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which helps to neutralize the toxic metabolite of acetaminophen and prevent further liver damage when administered promptly. B. Atropine: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia and cholinergic toxicity, such as in organophosphate poisoning. It has no therapeutic effect in acetaminophen overdose and would not address hepatic injury. C. Prussian blue: Prussian blue is used to treat certain types of heavy metal poisoning, particularly thallium or radioactive cesium. It is unrelated to acetaminophen metabolism or toxicity. D. Digoxin immune fab: Digoxin immune fab is used to treat digoxin toxicity by binding to the drug and inactivating it. It has no role in the treatment of acetaminophen overdose.