A 24-year-old man presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets in a suicide attempt. He has no symptoms. Serum acetam...

Question

A 24-year-old man presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets in a suicide attempt. He has no symptoms. Serum acetaminophen level is plotted above the treatment line on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram. What is the most appropriate management?

Accepted Answer

Administer N-acetylcysteine as soon as possible

Answer

Discharge with reassurance because he is asymptomatic

Answer

Provide activated charcoal only and observe

Answer

Wait 24 hours and repeat the acetaminophen level before deciding

Answer

Treat only if liver enzymes become elevated

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Acetaminophen overdose

A 24-year-old man presents 6 hours after ingesting an unknown quantity of acetaminophen tablets in a suicide attempt. He has no symptoms. Serum acetaminophen level is plotted above the treatment line on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram. What is the most appropriate management?