A 25-year-old woman presents 6 hours after taking 20 tablets of Paracetamol 500 mg (10 g) in a suicide attempt. She weighs 60 kg. She is asymptomatic ...

Question

A 25-year-old woman presents 6 hours after taking 20 tablets of Paracetamol 500 mg (10 g) in a suicide attempt. She weighs 60 kg. She is asymptomatic and examination is normal. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Check a plasma Paracetamol level at 4 hours from ingestion and use the nomogram to decide on N-acetylcysteine

Answer

Reassure and discharge as she is asymptomatic

Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine immediately without blood tests

Answer

Check a plasma Paracetamol level immediately and if undetectable discharge her

Answer

Give activated charcoal only

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

A 25-year-old woman presents 6 hours after taking 20 tablets of Paracetamol 500 mg (10 g) in a suicide attempt. She weighs 60 kg. She is asymptomatic and examination is normal. What is the most appropriate next step?