A 26-year-old man presents after deliberate overdose of 40 x 500 mg paracetamol tablets 3 hours ago. He is alert and asymptomatic. What is the most ap...

Question

A 26-year-old man presents after deliberate overdose of 40 x 500 mg paracetamol tablets 3 hours ago. He is alert and asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate immediate management?

Accepted Answer

Measure paracetamol level at 4 hours post-ingestion and start N-acetylcysteine if above nomogram line

Answer

Reassure and discharge as he is asymptomatic

Answer

Start N-acetylcysteine immediately without checking levels

Answer

Give activated charcoal only

Answer

Admit and observe without treatment

au-acem MCQ (SBA): Paracetamol overdose

A 26-year-old man presents after deliberate overdose of 40 x 500 mg paracetamol tablets 3 hours ago. He is alert and asymptomatic. What is the most appropriate immediate management?