What is the nurse's priority intervention for a parent who reports a toddler's possible acetaminophen overdose?

In cases of a potential acetaminophen overdose, the priority intervention for the nurse is to instruct the parent on how to call poison control. This is vital because poison control centers provide specialized guidance on managing overdoses, including the potential need for immediate medical evaluation and treatment based on the quantity ingested and the time since ingestion.

Calling poison control ensures that the parent receives accurate and context-specific advice, which can help in determining the appropriate next steps, including whether the child requires urgent medical attention or if other interventions are necessary. The healthcare provider can also assess the child's situation and recommend if any additional measures should be taken based on the specific details of the overdose.

Other interventions, such as administering activated charcoal or syrup of ipecac, might be frowned upon or contraindicated depending on the specifics of the situation and the timing of the ingestion. Additionally, while knowing CPR is important for overall safety, it is not the immediate priority in managing a suspected poisoning. The safety and proper management of the overdose situation through expert guidance are paramount, which is why directing the parent to contact poison control is the most appropriate course of action.