Question

A 27-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 6 hours after ingesting 20 tablets of paracetamol 500 mg (10 g total) in an impulsive overdose. He weighs 80 kg. According to Australian paracetamol poisoning guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Measure serum paracetamol concentration and interpret using the nomogram; commence intravenous N-acetylcysteine if above treatment line

Answer

Reassure as the dose is below toxic threshold

Answer

Perform gastric lavage

Answer

Start oral activated charcoal only

Answer

Observe without investigations and discharge if asymptomatic at 8 hours

Practice question

A 27-year-old man is brought to the emergency department 6 hours after ingesting 20 tablets of paracetamol 500 mg (10 g total) in an impulsive overdose. He weighs 80 kg. According to Australian paracetamol poisoning guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?