Ace the Pain Management Nursing Exam 2025 – Master Comfort Care Skills!

The priority concern after reviewing a patient's recent acetaminophen administration should focus on the amount of daily acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is generally considered safe when used as directed; however, exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to severe hepatic toxicity. Healthcare providers must ensure that the total daily intake does not exceed 4,000 mg (or recommended guidelines for a specific patient population), to minimize the risk of liver damage.

While pain management, risk for addiction, and gastrointestinal bleeding are important considerations for comprehensive care, they may not be as immediate concerns when specifically assessing acetaminophen use. The risk for gastrointestinal bleeding is more associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rather than acetaminophen, which is why it may not be prioritized in this context. Ensuring safe dosing of acetaminophen directly addresses a potentially acute risk, making it a priority in the context of this question.