A 22-year-old man presents 4 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is asymptomatic and vital signs are s...

Question

A 22-year-old man presents 4 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is asymptomatic and vital signs are stable. According to toxicology guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Measure serum acetaminophen concentration at 4 hours post-ingestion and use the nomogram to guide N-acetylcysteine therapy

Answer

Reassure because he is asymptomatic

Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine only if liver enzymes are elevated

Answer

Wait 24 hours before deciding on any treatment

Answer

Induce emesis with ipecac

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acetaminophen overdose

A 22-year-old man presents 4 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. He is asymptomatic and vital signs are stable. According to toxicology guidelines, what is the most appropriate next step?