Lippincott Pharmacology Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Mastering Pharmacology!

The most appropriate action for a patient who has ingested a significant amount of acetaminophen is to start empirical N-acetylcysteine therapy. This treatment is critical in cases of acetaminophen overdose because N-acetylcysteine acts as an antidote by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which helps to neutralize the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) that forms during the metabolism of acetaminophen when taken in excess.

Administering N-acetylcysteine as soon as possible can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage and potential mortality. The effectiveness of this treatment is highest when administered within eight hours of acetaminophen ingestion, although it can still provide benefits if given later.

The other options, while they may have their own uses in specific situations, do not address the immediate needs of a patient who has taken a significant amount of acetaminophen. For instance, giving activated charcoal can help reduce the absorption of acetaminophen if administered early but is not the definitive treatment and may not be appropriate if the patient is showing signs of liver failure or altered mental status. Waiting to assess levels could delay life-saving treatment, and drawing a