A 47-year-old man presents 3 hours after taking an intentional overdose of 20 g of Paracetamol (40 tablets of 500 mg). He weighs 80 kg and is asymptom...

Question

A 47-year-old man presents 3 hours after taking an intentional overdose of 20 g of Paracetamol (40 tablets of 500 mg). He weighs 80 kg and is asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Take blood for Paracetamol level at 4 hours post-ingestion and start intravenous N-acetylcysteine if above treatment line

Answer

Reassure and discharge without tests

Answer

Give activated charcoal only and no further treatment

Answer

Wait until he develops symptoms before treating

Answer

Treat with haemodialysis instead of N-acetylcysteine

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol overdose

A 47-year-old man presents 3 hours after taking an intentional overdose of 20 g of Paracetamol (40 tablets of 500 mg). He weighs 80 kg and is asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate next step in management?