A 35-year-old man presents after ingesting an unknown quantity of paracetamol 3 hours ago in a suicide attempt. He is alert and haemodynamically stabl...

Question

A 35-year-old man presents after ingesting an unknown quantity of paracetamol 3 hours ago in a suicide attempt. He is alert and haemodynamically stable. According to Australian toxicology guidance, what is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Take a serum paracetamol level at 4 hours post-ingestion and assess against the nomogram

Answer

Discharge with GP follow-up as he is well

Answer

Wait until 8 hours post-ingestion before any testing

Answer

Commence N-acetylcysteine immediately without blood tests

Answer

Induce emesis at home

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol overdose

A 35-year-old man presents after ingesting an unknown quantity of paracetamol 3 hours ago in a suicide attempt. He is alert and haemodynamically stable. According to Australian toxicology guidance, what is the most appropriate immediate management?