Question

A 30-year-old woman presents to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets 2 hours ago in a suicide attempt. She is alert, and vital signs are stable. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Discharge the patient with outpatient psychiatric follow up only

Answer

Observe for 24 hours and check liver function tests

Answer

Administer activated charcoal and obtain a serum acetaminophen level at 4 hours after ingestion

Answer

Administer N acetylcysteine immediately and no serum levels are needed

Answer

Induce emesis with syrup of ipecac

Practice question

A 30-year-old woman presents to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets 2 hours ago in a suicide attempt. She is alert, and vital signs are stable. What is the most appropriate immediate management?