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. Digoxin immune fab: Digoxin immune fab is used to treat digoxin toxicity by binding to digoxin molecules and neutralizing their effect. It is not effective for acetaminophen toxicity. B. Atropine: Atropine is used to treat bradycardia or anticholinergic toxicity. It has no role in reversing acetaminophen overdose or its hepatotoxic effects. C. Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine acts as a precursor for glutathione, helping to detoxify the harmful metabolite of acetaminophen. Early administration can prevent or reduce liver damage and is the standard antidote for acetaminophen toxicity. D. Prussian blue: Prussian blue is used to treat heavy metal poisoning, such as thallium or cesium, by binding the metals in the gastrointestinal tract. It does not reverse acetaminophen toxicity.