A 2-year-old child presents to the Emergency Department following ingestion of an unknown quantity of paracetamol liquid approximately 4 hours ago. Th...

Question

A 2-year-old child presents to the Emergency Department following ingestion of an unknown quantity of paracetamol liquid approximately 4 hours ago. The child is currently asymptomatic. What is the most important immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Take blood for paracetamol level and LFTs immediately

Answer

Administer activated charcoal

Answer

Administer intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) immediately

Answer

Observe for 4 hours and repeat paracetamol level

Answer

Contact the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS)

ukmla MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol Overdose

A 2-year-old child presents to the Emergency Department following ingestion of an unknown quantity of paracetamol liquid approximately 4 hours ago. The child is currently asymptomatic. What is the most important immediate action?