Question

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department 3 hours after ingesting 20 g of paracetamol in a deliberate overdose. He is well with normal examination. According to Australian paracetamol poisoning guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Measure a serum paracetamol concentration at 4 hours post-ingestion and plot on the nomogram

Answer

Discharge as he is asymptomatic

Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine immediately without any blood tests

Answer

Wait 24 hours then check liver function tests only

Answer

Give activated charcoal is contraindicated at this time

Practice question

A 24-year-old man presents to the emergency department 3 hours after ingesting 20 g of paracetamol in a deliberate overdose. He is well with normal examination. According to Australian paracetamol poisoning guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?