🩺 Nursing Question of the Day
Challenge yourself with one exam-style nursing question every day.
✅ Think carefully • ✅ Choose your answer • ✅ Then scroll down to check the explanation.
Added on Dated 31.07.2026.
📝 Today’s Question
Which medication is the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning?
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💊 Acetaminophen Poisoning – Antidote
✅ Answer: (B) N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
📖 What is Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen (also called Paracetamol) is a commonly used medicine for:
- ✔ Fever reduction (antipyretic)
- ✔ Pain relief (analgesic)
👉 In overdose, acetaminophen is converted into a toxic metabolite called NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine), which can cause severe liver damage.
🩺 Why is Option (B) Correct?
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the specific antidote for acetaminophen poisoning.
It works by:
- ✔ Replenishing glutathione stores
- ✔ Detoxifying the harmful metabolite (NAPQI)
- ✔ Preventing or reducing liver injury
👉 NAC is most effective when started within 8 hours of overdose, but it may still provide benefit if given later.
❌ Why Other Options Are Wrong?
(A) Atropine
❌ Antidote for organophosphate poisoning and used to treat symptomatic bradycardia—not acetaminophen overdose.
(C) Flumazenil
❌ Reverses the effects of benzodiazepines.
(D) Naloxone
❌ Reverses opioid overdose (e.g., morphine, heroin).
📝 Common Poisonings and Their Antidotes
| Poisoning | Antidote |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) | N-acetylcysteine (NAC) |
| Opioids | Naloxone |
| Benzodiazepines | Flumazenil |
| Organophosphates | Atropine + Pralidoxime |
💊 Paracetamol → NAC
NAC = Neutralizes Acetaminophen Crisis
📌 Exam Tip: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) poisoning. It is most effective when administered within 8 hours of ingestion and helps prevent acute liver failure by restoring glutathione levels.
Concept clarity • Easy recall • Nursing success
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