What characterizes the later phase of acetaminophen overdose?

What characterizes the later phase of acetaminophen overdose?

• A. General malaise and anorexia followed by acute liver failure
• B. Immediate seizures
• C. Rapid improvement of symptoms
• D. No liver involvement

Answer: (A)

The late stage of an acetaminophen overdose shows progression from nonspecific symptoms to clear liver injury and potential liver failure. After the initial malaise and loss of appetite, hepatotoxicity develops, leading to jaundice, coagulopathy, and can progress to hepatic failure or encephalopathy if not managed. This pattern reflects the toxic effect of the metabolite that damages liver cells over time. Seizures aren’t a typical feature of this overdose course, symptoms do not simply rapidly improve, and liver involvement is expected in the later phase, so those alternatives don’t fit.

The late stage of an acetaminophen overdose shows progression from nonspecific symptoms to clear liver injury and potential liver failure. After the initial malaise and loss of appetite, hepatotoxicity develops, leading to jaundice, coagulopathy, and can progress to hepatic failure or encephalopathy if not managed. This pattern reflects the toxic effect of the metabolite that damages liver cells over time. Seizures aren’t a typical feature of this overdose course, symptoms do not simply rapidly improve, and liver involvement is expected in the later phase, so those alternatives don’t fit.