Paracetamol overdosage: pathophysiology and nursing management

Abstract

Paracetamol overdose now represents one third of all self-poisoning cases. In contrast to other drugs, the use of paracetamol as a self-poisoning agent is increasing. As very large doses of the drug cause severe liver injury, which can result in fulminant hepatic failure when left untreated, it is essential that nurses have a complete understanding of the mechanisms of normal paracetamol metabolism, effects of overdosage and treatment strategies to guide the nursing management of clients. This review therefore critically examines the pathophysiology and nursing management of clients with acute paracetamol overdosage.