Police bring a patient to the emergency department after an automobile accident. The patient demonstrates ataxia and slurred speech. The blood alcohol level is 500 mg%
Considering the relationship between the behavior and blood alcohol level, which conclusion is most probable? The patient:
a. rarely drinks alcohol.
b. has a high tolerance to alcohol.
c. has been treated with disulfiram (Antabuse).
d. has ingested both alcohol and sedative drugs recently.
ANS: B
A non-tolerant drinker would be in coma with a blood alcohol level of 500 mg%. The fact that the patient is moving and talking shows a discrepancy between blood alcohol level and expected behavior and strongly indicates that the patient's body is tolerant. If disulfiram and alcohol are ingested together, an entirely different clinical picture would result. The blood alcohol level gives no information about ingestion of other drugs.
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After teaching about coping, which information indicates a correct understanding? Coping is best defined as the process of:
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A. A B. O C. AB D. B