What medication should a nurse anticipate administering to a client with acute acetaminophen toxicity?

In the case of acute acetaminophen toxicity, the correct medication to administer is acetylcysteine. This drug acts as a precursor to glutathione, a vital antioxidant that helps to detoxify the harmful metabolites produced by acetaminophen overdose. When acetaminophen is taken in excessive amounts, it depletes the liver’s stores of glutathione, leading to potentially severe liver damage. Acetylcysteine works effectively by replenishing glutathione levels and promoting the safe metabolism of acetaminophen, thus protecting the liver from damage.

Acetylcysteine is most effective when given within 8 to 10 hours post-ingestion but can still provide benefits even when administered later. The ability of acetylcysteine to mitigate hepatotoxicity makes it a critical intervention in cases of acetaminophen overdose.

Other options provided do not serve as antidotes for acetaminophen toxicity. For instance, vitamin K is used for anticoagulant reversal, benzotropine is utilized in managing symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and physostigmine is an antidote for anticholinergic toxicity, all of which are not relevant to treating acetaminophen toxicity.