A 19-year-old university student presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. She is alert and asymptom...

Question

A 19-year-old university student presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. She is alert and asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Measure serum acetaminophen level and use the nomogram to decide on N-acetylcysteine

Answer

Reassure as she is asymptomatic

Answer

Wait for signs of hepatic failure before treating

Answer

Give activated charcoal only

Answer

Admit to psychiatry without medical assessment

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acetaminophen overdose

A 19-year-old university student presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. She is alert and asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate next step in management?