Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

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What is the specific function of acetylcysteine in this context?

It acts as a pain reliever
It reverses anesthetic effects
It prevents hepatotoxicity
It enhances recovery time

The correct answer is: It prevents hepatotoxicity

Acetylcysteine serves a vital role in preventing hepatotoxicity, particularly in cases of acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. When acetaminophen is ingested in excessive amounts, its metabolism generates a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which can lead to liver damage and potentially fatal liver failure. Acetylcysteine acts as a precursor to glutathione, a potent antioxidant that detoxifies this harmful metabolite. By replenishing glutathione levels, acetylcysteine mitigates the toxic effects of NAPQI and protects the liver from damage. This specific function highlights the drug's critical role in emergency medicine for patients exhibiting signs of liver toxicity following an overdose, making it an essential therapeutic intervention in such scenarios. Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not align with acetylcysteine's primary indication and mechanism of action in relation to liver protection.