A client who was admitted with gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to aspirin use therapy is being discharged. The client asks why acetaminophen (Tylenol) doesn't work as well as the aspirin the client had been taking

Question

What would be the nurse's best response?

1. "You should take double the prescribed dose of Tylenol."
2. "Tylenol does not reduce inflammation."
3. "Tylenol is only appropriate for severe pain."
4. "Tylenol and aspirin are the same drug."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2

Rationale 1: "You should take double the prescribed dose of Tylenol" is incorrect because the client should not double the dose of Tylenol. Increased doses of Tylenol can lead to liver damage.
Rationale 2: "Tylenol does not reduce inflammation" and is not an NSAID.
Rationale 3: "Tylenol is only appropriate for severe pain" is incorrect because Tylenol is appropriate for mild-to-moderate pain.
Rationale 4: "Tylenol and aspirin are the same drug" is incorrect because they are not the same drug.

Global Rationale: "Tylenol does not reduce inflammation" and is not an NSAID. "You should take double the prescribed dose of Tylenol" is incorrect because the client should not double the dose of Tylenol. Increased doses of Tylenol can lead to liver damage. "Tylenol is only appropriate for severe pain" is incorrect because Tylenol is appropriate for mild-to-moderate pain. "Tylenol and aspirin are the same drug" is incorrect because they are not the same drug.