Acetaminophen Dosing Calculation

A 62-year-old patient with a history of osteoarthritis is admitted to the hospital for severe joint pain control. The healthcare provider orders an analgesic regimen, which includes an initial dose of 1,000 mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) given orally every 6 hours, with a maximum daily dose not to exceed 4,000 mg. After 24 hours, the provider evaluates the patient’s pain level and decides to adjust the dose.

During the second 24-hour period, the nurse must calculate the appropriate dose without exceeding the safe maximum limit based on the patient’s recent pain assessment.

Fill in the blank with the correct dosage (in mg) that should be administered every 6 hours, ensuring it does not exceed the maximum daily limit of acetaminophen. The appropriate dosing should be ______ mg.