A 23-year-old man presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is asymptomatic. Serum acetaminophen ...

Question

A 23-year-old man presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is asymptomatic. Serum acetaminophen level plotted on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram is above the treatment line. What is the MOST appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous N-acetylcysteine immediately

Answer

Discharge home as he is asymptomatic

Answer

Observe only and repeat level in 24 hours

Answer

Start haemodialysis

Answer

Give activated charcoal only

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acetaminophen overdose

A 23-year-old man presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is asymptomatic. Serum acetaminophen level plotted on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram is above the treatment line. What is the MOST appropriate management?