A 50-year-old man presents to ED after ingesting an unknown quantity of extended-release paracetamol tablets 3 hours ago in a suicide attempt. Accordi...

Question

A 50-year-old man presents to ED after ingesting an unknown quantity of extended-release paracetamol tablets 3 hours ago in a suicide attempt. According to Australian toxicology guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management?

Accepted Answer

Measure serum paracetamol at 4 hours post-ingestion and start N-acetylcysteine if level is above the treatment line

Answer

Wait until 8 hours post-ingestion before any treatment

Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine immediately without measuring levels

Answer

Perform gastric lavage only

Answer

Discharge with counselling if he feels well

au-amc MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol overdose

A 50-year-old man presents to ED after ingesting an unknown quantity of extended-release paracetamol tablets 3 hours ago in a suicide attempt. According to Australian toxicology guidance, what is the most appropriate initial management?