Paracetamol toxicity

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Paracetamol toxicity

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USMLE® Step 1 questions

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High Yield Notes

15 pages

Flashcards

Paracetamol toxicity

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Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

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A 16-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department for evaluation of severe abdominal pain,  nausea, and vomiting. The pain started three hours ago and has been increasing in severity. The patient admits to swallowing 30 pills of acetaminophen in an attempt to end his life. Temperature is 37.9 C° (100.2 F°), respirations are 15/minute, pulse is 92/minute, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg.  On physical examination, right upper quadrant tenderness is noted. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiologic process underlying this medication toxicity? 

External References

First Aid

2016

External Links

Summary

Paracetamol toxicity, also known as acetaminophen toxicity, is caused by excessive use or overdose of the analgesic drug paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in North America. Paracetamol toxicity can lead to liver damage and, in severe cases, liver failure.

People with paracetamol toxicity present with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Treatment may involve administering N-acetylcysteine within 8 hours of the ingestion. It can also involve hemodialysis and liver transplant in case of severe liver damage.

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