A 29-year-old female has been admitted to the emergency department following a suicide attempt by overdose of acetaminophen. What changes in the client's liver and diagnostic results would the care team most likely anticipate?
A) Hepatocellular necrosis evidenced by increased ALT and AST levels
B) Allergic inflammation accompanied by an increase in serum IgE and basophils
C) Cholestatic reaction with increased bilirubin count
D) Rapid onset of hepatitis and increased GGT, ALT, and bilirubin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen is commonly implicated in cases of direct hepatotoxicity, a situation that is characterized by hepatocellular necrosis and increased ALT and AST levels. An allergic-type reaction is associated with idiosyncratic drug reactions, and cholestatic reactions and development of hepatitis are not noted to be associated with acetaminophen.

A 29-Year-Old Female Has Been Admitted to the Emergency Department