Question

A 19-year-old university student presents after an overdose of 20 g of paracetamol taken 3 hours ago following a relationship breakup. She is alert but tearful. According to Australian paracetamol poisoning guidelines, what is the MOST appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer activated charcoal and arrange serum paracetamol level at 4 hours post-ingestion

Answer

Observe for 24 hours and check liver function tests only

Answer

Wait until she develops abdominal pain before treating

Answer

Reassure her and discharge as she is asymptomatic

Answer

Commence N-acetylcysteine immediately without any blood tests

Practice question

A 19-year-old university student presents after an overdose of 20 g of paracetamol taken 3 hours ago following a relationship breakup. She is alert but tearful. According to Australian paracetamol poisoning guidelines, what is the MOST appropriate immediate management?