A 5-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown quantity of Paracetamol tablets about 2 hours ago. She is current...

Question

A 5-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown quantity of Paracetamol tablets about 2 hours ago. She is currently well. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Measure serum Paracetamol level at 4 hours post-ingestion and assess using a nomogram

Answer

Reassure and discharge without investigation

Answer

Administer activated charcoal only and no blood tests

Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine immediately without any blood tests

Answer

Wait 24 hours and then check liver function tests only

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol overdose

A 5-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown quantity of Paracetamol tablets about 2 hours ago. She is currently well. What is the most appropriate next step in management?