A 32-Year-Old Caucasian Female College Graduate Who Weighs 150 Pounds

A 32-year-old Caucasian female college graduate who weighs 150 pounds is heavily sedated by the amount of lorazepam (Ativan) prescribed for anxiety reduction.A Hispanic male heavy laborer who is the same age and weight as the female patient has taken the same dose of Ativan and states that his anxiety is barely under control.What factor most likely accounts for this difference?

A) The male is Hispanic, whereas the female is Caucasian.
B) Social stratification and poverty make treatment more difficult.
C) Men more often underrate the efficacy of antianxiety medication.
D) The female gastrointestinal system more readily absorbs benzodiazepines.