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:
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.