Question

A 20-year-old man is brought to the emergency department intoxicated and agitated after taking an unknown quantity of tablets. According to paediatric and adolescent poisoning guidelines, which statement regarding deliberate self-poisoning in adolescents and young adults is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

All intentional self-poisonings in adolescents should be screened for paracetamol ingestion

Answer

Paracetamol screening is only required if the patient reports paracetamol ingestion

Answer

Paracetamol screening is unnecessary if the overdose occurred more than 8 hours ago

Answer

Routine paracetamol screening is not cost-effective in overdose

Answer

Paracetamol screening is only needed if LFTs are abnormal

Practice question

A 20-year-old man is brought to the emergency department intoxicated and agitated after taking an unknown quantity of tablets. According to paediatric and adolescent poisoning guidelines, which statement regarding deliberate self-poisoning in adolescents and young adults is most appropriate?