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Paracetamol poisoning — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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ModerateEmergency paediatricsParacetamol poisoningRACP Paediatrics

A 15-year-old presents three hours after ingesting an uncertain quantity of paracetamol tablets. She is asymptomatic and observations are normal. The time of ingestion is considered reliable. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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Correct answer: C — Serum paracetamol concentration at four hours after ingestion

A timed serum paracetamol concentration at or after four hours guides risk assessment after acute ingestion. Early levels can be misleading before absorption is complete. Being asymptomatic initially does not exclude later hepatotoxicity.

Reference: Poisons Information Centre; Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG)