Core Concepts of Family Centered Care Related

Review Core Concepts of Family Centered Care related questions and content

Police bring a patient to the emergency department after an automobile accident. The patient is ataxic with slurred speech and mild confusion. The blood alcohol level is 400 mg/dl (0.4 mg %). Considering the relationship between behavior and blood alcohol level, which conclusion can the nurse draw? The patient:

  • A. rarely drinks alcohol.
  • B. has a high tolerance to alcohol.
  • C. has been treated with disulfiram (Antabuse).
  • D. has recently ingested both alcohol and sedative drugs.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: the patient has a high tolerance to alcohol. At a blood alcohol level of 400 mg/dl, most individuals would exhibit severe symptoms such as unconsciousness or coma. However, this patient only shows mild symptoms of ataxia, slurred speech, and confusion, indicating a high tolerance to alcohol. This high tolerance suggests that the patient regularly consumes large amounts of alcohol, leading to an adaptation in the body's response to alcohol.

Choice A is incorrect because a blood alcohol level of 400 mg/dl is indicative of significant alcohol consumption, contradicting the statement that the patient rarely drinks alcohol. Choice C is incorrect as disulfiram is used to treat alcohol dependence, not tolerance. Choice D is incorrect since sedative drugs would exacerbate the effects of alcohol, causing more severe symptoms than what is observed in this case.