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Acetaminophen and N-acetylcysteine — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

NAC = Tylenol OD antidote

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Pharmacological Therapies 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Acetaminophen and N-acetylcysteine on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Max

Key facts

Max 4g/day adult acetaminophen
OD → hepatotoxic (liver failure)

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Stages

Key facts

Early: N/V, vague, then quiet
Later: RUQ pain, jaundice, ↑LFTs

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Antidote

Nursing actions

NAC (Mucomyst) best <8 hr
PO smells rotten eggs, dilute juice

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Do

Nursing actions

Check acetaminophen level + nomogram
Avoid alcohol → worsens liver

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Quick Tip

The maximum acetaminophen dose for healthy adults is generally 4 grams per day, less with liver disease or alcohol use.

📖 Related Topics

Digoxin Toxicity Heparin Therapy Warfarin Therapy Acetaminophen Poisoning in Children

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