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Pt took 20 500mg acetaminophen tabs 6 hours ago. Pt is 52kg, pulse 96, BP 135/65. Pt alert and in NAD. Serum acetaminophen level is 60 uG/ml. Liver fxn test are minimally elevated. Most appropriate action?

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Final answer:

Administer N-acetylcysteine immediately to treat acetaminophen overdose and monitor vital signs while providing supportive care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate action for a patient who has ingested 20 500mg acetaminophen tablets 6 hours ago is to initiate treatment for acetaminophen overdose immediately. Due to the patient's serum acetaminophen level being 60 uG/ml and the fact that the liver function tests are minimally elevated, it's crucial to start antidotal therapy with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC acts as a glutathione precursor and can help prevent further liver damage if administered within 8 hours of ingestion. The guidelines for acetaminophen toxicity suggest that if the serum level is above the treatment line on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram, then NAC should be administered. The patient's vital signs should continue to be monitored closely, and supportive care should be provided as needed.

User Milind Agrawal
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