Gadsden State Community College - HEC 140 Case Study 7A: Excessive Alcohol Use Steve Q

Gadsden State Community College - HEC 140

Case Study 7A: Excessive Alcohol Use

Steve Q. is a 52-year-old male with a family history of alcoholism. He is 73 inches tall and weighs 238 pounds, with much of his excess weight around his middle. He considers himself a social drinker, although he has had two arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol. He has recently been diagnosed with diabetes and takes an oral medication to control his blood glucose. He also has high cholesterol and recently started taking a lipid-lowering medication. Recent tests have revealed Steve has fatty liver, which concerns him. He also reports having occasional low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and feeling shaky and dizzy.

1)How much alcohol can the liver process per hour?                            

2. How many ounces of 80 proof liquor are in a single serving?   

3. If Mr. Q. drinks a quart of beer, how many servings of alcohol is he consuming?     

4. The maximum rate of alcohol breakdown is determined by the amount of what? Alcohol dehydrogenase Mr. Q. is concerned about his recent fatty liver diagnosis. Which of the following is true of fatty liver?

5. Mr. Q. had blood alcohol concentrations well above the legal limit when he was arrested for his DUIs. At what blood alcohol concentration do unconsciousness, coma, and death become likely outcomes?

6. If he continues drinking, how might alcohol affect Mr. Q.'s health?