The nurse is caring for an older adult client prescribed acetaminophen (Tylenol), as needed, for frequent headaches. What can the nurse expect?
1. The client may not ask for the medication as often as younger clients.
2. This drug may be prescribed with longer interval dosing.
3. The health care provider may order a lower than normal dose.
4. The health care provider will order diagnostic lab work to check creatinine clearance.
5. The health care provider will need to prescribe nausea medication.
Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Reduced metabolism will result in extended duration of the drug.
Rationale 2: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has a long half-life and remains in tissues longer, resulting in toxicity. The health care provider may prescribe longer dosing intervals.
Rationale 3: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has a long half-life and remains in tissues longer resulting in toxicity. The health care provider may prescribe a lower dose.
Rationale 4: Creatinine clearance tests kidney function, not hepatic function.
Rationale 5: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) does not cause nausea.
Global Rationale: Reduced metabolism will result in extended duration of the drug; therefore, the client may ask for the medication less frequently. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) has a long half-life and remains in tissues longer, resulting in toxicity. The health care provider may prescribe longer dosing intervals and at lower dosages. Creatinine clearance tests kidney function, not hepatic function. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) does not cause nausea.
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