Q: A 70 kg male consumes 40 g of alcohol. Using the formula $$ BAC = \frac{\text{Alcohol (g)}}{\text{Body weight (g)} \times r} \times 100 $$, where $$ r = 0.68 $$ for men, what is his estimated BAC?

$$ BAC = \frac{40}{70000 \times 0.68} \times 100 = 0.084 $$

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter system is primarily enhanced by alcohol, leading to sedation and decreased anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Question 2

A patient presents with confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia after years of heavy alcohol use. Which syndrome is most likely, and what is the primary treatment?

Accepted Answer

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome; thiamine supplementation

Question 3

Which of the following is considered a standard drink equivalent in the United States?

Accepted Answer

5 ounces of table wine

Question 4

A 70 kg male consumes 40 g of alcohol. Using the formula $$ BAC = \frac{	ext{Alcohol (g)}}{	ext{Body weight (g)} 	imes r} 	imes 100 $$, where $$ r = 0.68 $$ for men, what is his estimated BAC?

Accepted Answer

$$ BAC = \frac{40}{70000 	imes 0.68} 	imes 100 = 0.084 $$

Question 5

Which of the following is a first-line pharmacological treatment for alcohol withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Question 6

Which long-term complication of chronic alcohol use is characterized by irreversible scarring of the liver?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis

Question 7

A patient is prescribed disulfiram for alcohol use disorder. What is the primary mechanism of action?

Accepted Answer

Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing unpleasant reactions if alcohol is consumed

Question 8

Which symptom is most indicative of alcohol overdose rather than intoxication?

Accepted Answer

Coma

Question 9

Which risk factor is most strongly associated with increased likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

Family history of alcoholism

Question 10

Which of the following best describes binge drinking?

Accepted Answer

Consuming 4 or more drinks (women) or 5 or more drinks (men) in about 2 hours

Question 11

Which laboratory test is most useful for assessing the severity of alcohol intoxication?

Accepted Answer

Blood Alcohol Level (BAL)

Question 12

A patient with alcohol withdrawal develops hallucinations, hypertension, and tremors 2-3 days after last drink. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol withdrawal delirium (delirium tremens)

Question 13

Which medication is used to decrease cravings and withdrawal symptoms in alcohol use disorder, and is delivered as enteric-coated tablets?

Accepted Answer

Acamprosate

Question 14

Which of the following is a life-threatening condition associated with excessive alcohol use?

Accepted Answer

Coma

Question 15

A patient is started on naltrexone for alcohol use disorder. What is the primary therapeutic effect?

Accepted Answer

Reduces cravings and reward effects of alcohol

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a recommended component of the nursing process for alcohol withdrawal management?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging continued alcohol consumption

Question 17

Which population is at increased risk for long-term cognitive and developmental effects from alcohol use?

Accepted Answer

Adolescents

Question 18

Which of the following is a common adverse effect of disulfiram therapy?

Accepted Answer

Metallic/garlic-like taste

Question 19

A patient with alcohol use disorder is found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.30 mg/dL. Which symptom is most likely present?

Accepted Answer

Coma

Question 20

Which of the following is a key step in the treatment of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine supplementation

Alcohol Abuse: Nutrition, Physiology, and Management

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