A 27-year-old man presents to the emergency department 4 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets in a suicide attempt. He i...

Question

A 27-year-old man presents to the emergency department 4 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets in a suicide attempt. He is currently asymptomatic. Serum acetaminophen level is sent at 4 hours post ingestion. What is the most appropriate management while awaiting the result?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous N-acetylcysteine pending the level result

Answer

Discharge home as he is asymptomatic

Answer

Give activated charcoal only and observe

Answer

Delay treatment until the level is known at 4 hours

Answer

Start haemodialysis urgently

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acetaminophen overdose