NCM 109 Care of Mother, Child and Adolescent (Well patient)

RELATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE (RLE)

DRUG STUDY
Date of Order: June 21, 2021

Generic Name: Paracetamol Nursing Responsibilities

Action
Brand Name: Acetaminophen 1. Patients should be cautioned not to
take any other products containing
paracetamol and they should read
the label of all other medication
carefully to ensure that it does not
contain paracetamol.
2. If symptoms persist for more than
three days, patients should consult
the prescribing practitioner.
Rationale
Taking two different medicines that
contain paracetamol, there's a risk of
overdose.
Paracetamol begins to ease pain and lower a
high temperature about 30 minutes after a
dose is taken. Its effects usually last for about
4 to 6 hours.

Classification: Non-opioid analgesic; Antipyretic 3. Try using a medicine syringe to squirt For children who may refuse medicine off a
liquid slowly into the side of the spoon.
child’s mouth or use soluble
paracetamol mixed with a drink.
4. Drug interaction between Increased INR may occur
paracetamol warfarin.
Dose/ Route/Frequency: 5. Educate about drug interaction It may reduce the absorption of paracetamol
5 mL/PO/q 4 hours for Temp ≥37.8 and above between paracetamol and from the gut.
Cholestyramine.

Mechanism of Action: Paracetamol exhibits 6. Be cautious when taking It may increase the absorption of paracetamol
analgesic action by peripheral blockage of pain Metoclopramide and domperidone from the gut.
impulse generation. It produces antipyresis by
 NCM 109 Care of Mother, Child and Adolescent (Well patient)
RELATED LEARNING EXPERIENCE (RLE)
inhibiting the 7. Monitor CBC, liver and renal Liver damage results not
hypothalamic heat-regulating centre. Its weak anti- from paracetamol itself, but from one of its
inflammatory activity is related to inhibition of functions. metabolites, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine
prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS. (NAPQI). NAPQI decreases
Synonym: acetaminophen. the liver's glutathione and directly damages
cells in the liver.
8. Assess for fecal occult blood and It is a sign of overdose.
nephritis.

Desired Effect: It can help treat pain and reduce a 9. Take with food or milk To minimize GI upset.
high temperature (fever) and relieve mild or moderate
pain, such as headaches, toothache or sprains, and
reduce fevers caused by illnesses such as colds and
flu
10. Report N&V. cyanosis, shortness of These are signs of toxicity.
breath and abdominal pain.