When assessing an adolescent who overdosed on acetaminophen, where should the nurse focus their assessment for pain?

In cases of acetaminophen overdose, one of the most critical areas of concern is the abdomen. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver, and an overdose can lead to hepatotoxicity, which often presents with specific symptoms related to liver dysfunction.

When assessing an adolescent for pain in the context of acetaminophen overdose, the nurse should primarily focus on the abdomen. This is because the abdomen is where the liver is located, and pain or tenderness in this area may indicate liver damage or inflammation. In the early stages of an acetaminophen overdose, the patient might not have significant symptoms; however, as liver injury progresses, they could experience right upper quadrant pain, which is a classic sign of liver distress.

Other areas such as the flank, chest, or head may not directly relate to the complications of acetaminophen overdose. Pain in these areas can arise from different causes unrelated to the liver, thus making them less relevant for the specific assessment of an acetaminophen overdose scenario. Focusing the assessment on the abdomen allows for timely identification of potential liver damage and appropriate intervention.