Question

A 21-year-old woman presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown number of 500 mg paracetamol tablets in a suicide attempt. She weighs 60 kg and is currently asymptomatic. Which investigation is essential to guide the need for N-acetylcysteine therapy?

Accepted Answer

Serum paracetamol concentration taken at least 4 hours after ingestion

Answer

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level

Answer

Serum bilirubin level

Answer

Prothrombin time/INR

Answer

Abdominal ultrasound of the liver

Practice question

A 21-year-old woman presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown number of 500 mg paracetamol tablets in a suicide attempt. She weighs 60 kg and is currently asymptomatic. Which investigation is essential to guide the need for N-acetylcysteine therapy?