A child is brought to the emergency department one hour after swallowing an unknown amount of paracetamol. The child is alert and has no symptoms. Which action is most appropriate?

Correct answer: A. Arrange urgent assessment for possible N-acetylcysteine treatment

  • A. Arrange urgent assessment for possible N-acetylcysteine treatment
  • B. Induce vomiting before the medicine is absorbed
  • C. Give activated charcoal at home without further assessment
  • D. Wait for abdominal pain before starting any treatment

Explanation

Paracetamol toxicity may cause serious liver injury before symptoms appear. The nurse should obtain the time and amount of ingestion, arrange urgent medical assessment, and prepare for N-acetylcysteine when indicated; inducing vomiting is unsafe.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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