Comprehensive Nursing Pharmacology NCLEX Test Bank Quiz #4 | 50 Questions

Walter, a teenage patient is admitted to the hospital because of acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Overdoses of acetaminophen can precipitate life-threatening abnormalities in which of the following organs? • A. Lungs • B. Liver • C. Kidney • D. Adrenal Glands Correct Answer: B. Liver Acetaminophen is extensively metabolized by pathways in the liver. Toxic doses of acetaminophen deplete hepatic glutathione, resulting in accumulation of the intermediate agent, quinine, which leads to hepatic necrosis. Prolonged use of acetaminophen may result in an increased risk ofrenal dysfunction, but a single overdose does not precipitate life-threatening problems in the respiratory system, renal system, or adrenal glands. • Option A: Acetaminophen is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and reaches therapeutic levels in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Overdose levels peak at 4 hours unless other factors could delay gastric emptying, such as a co-ingestion of an agent that slows gastric motility, or if the acetaminophen is in an extended-release form. • Option C: In the third stage (72 hours to 96 hours), liver dysfunction is sign