A 54-year-old woman presents 3 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of extended-release paracetamol tablets in a suicide attempt. She is currentl...

Question

A 54-year-old woman presents 3 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of extended-release paracetamol tablets in a suicide attempt. She is currently asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Give oral activated charcoal if within 4 hours of ingestion and arrange paracetamol level at appropriate time

Answer

Reassure as she is asymptomatic and discharge

Answer

Administer N-acetylcysteine immediately without any blood tests

Answer

Wait 24 hours then check paracetamol levels

Answer

Induce vomiting with syrup of ipecac

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol overdose

A 54-year-old woman presents 3 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of extended-release paracetamol tablets in a suicide attempt. She is currently asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate initial management?