Nokea
A child was brought to the emergency room complaining of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Upon the interview of the nurse to the mother, the client has been taking a long-
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The presentation of right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting in a child with a history of taking a long-acting formulation of valproic acid (Depakene) is concerning for valproic acid overdose. Valproic acid toxicity can lead to liver damage, which may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In cases of valproic acid overdose, acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) is commonly used as a treatment to help prevent or reduce liver damage by replenishing glutathione stores and acting as a reactive oxygen species scavenger. Therefore, acetylcysteine should be readily available in this scenario to initiate prompt treatment and potentially prevent severe liver injury.