An older client reports consuming at least 3 - 4 alcoholic beverages a day for the past 15 years. For which health problem is this client at the greatest risk for developing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When alcohol is consumed in excess by the elderly client there is an increase in the bioavailability of alcohol related to the age-related change in alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme involved in alcohol metabolism. This enzyme alteration can lead to increased blood alcohol levels when coupled with the decreased total body water associated with aging which leads to negative side effects. Weight gain can be a consequence of excess alcohol consumption, but if alcohol is substituted for food, nutritional health can become compromised. Although alcohol abuse can contribute to chronic diseases, alcohol-related problems in the elderly often go unrecognized and can contribute to misdiagnosis and treatment of many chronic diseases. With excess alcohol consumption, interactions between alcohol and medications are more likely.

An Older Client Reports Consuming at Least 3 - 4