The patient has been brought to the emergency department after the patient was found by his mother at home. The patient's blood alcohol level is currently 0.51%. Which of the following findings are consistent with this information? Select all that apply.

Question

The patient has been brought to the emergency department after the patient was found by his mother at home. The patient's blood alcohol level is currently 0.51%. Which of the following findings are consistent with this information?  Select all that apply.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sternal rub is a painful stimulus used to test for responsiveness in patients with altered mental status. The lack of response to a sternal rub suggests a deep level of unconsciousness, which is consistent with a severe level of alcohol intoxication. A respiratory rate of eight breaths per minute is critically low and indicates respiratory depression, which can occur with high blood alcohol levels. The patient's pulses being bounding is not consistent with severe alcohol intoxication; instead, it may indicate hypertension or some other medical condition unrelated to alcohol consumption. The patient's statement about feeling tired after sleeping and not feeling rested is suggestive of sleep apnea or other sleep disorders unrelated to alcohol intoxication. Finally, the patient's statement about driving him/herself home indicates a lack of insight into his/her current level of intoxication and the dangers of driving while impaired.

The Patient Has Been Brought to the Emergency Department After