skip to main content

Paracetamol poisoning — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardEmergency paediatricsParacetamol poisoningMRCPCH FOP

A 15-year-old girl presents three hours after taking an unknown quantity of paracetamol. She feels nauseated, observations are normal and her parents found empty blister packs at home. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Serum paracetamol concentration at four hours post-ingestion

A timed paracetamol concentration at least four hours after ingestion is needed to assess treatment against the nomogram. Being asymptomatic early does not exclude later hepatotoxicity. Liver tests may be normal initially and should not replace the timed drug level. The pearl is that the time of ingestion is a key piece of toxicology history.

Reference: TOXBASE; BNFc acetylcysteine