Chapter 12: Alcohol (1)

Question 1

What is BAC and how does it effect function?

Answer 1

Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC): percentage of alcohol in the blood

0.05% BAC may experience relaxation and euphoria

> 0.05% BAC may result in gradual loss of control of speech, balance, and emotions

-0.2% BAC may cause someone to pass out
-0.3% BAC may cause someone to lapse into a coma

Question 2

How does alcohol travel to the body and how long does it take to reach the bloodstream?

Answer 2

Alcohol is directly and quickly absorbed into the bloodstream through the stomach walls and upper intestine

Takes 15 minutes to reach the bloodstream and reaches its peak concentration in an hour

The bloodstream carries alcohol to the liver,heart, and brain

Question 3

Alcohol reaches the ___________ first

Answer 3

Alcohol reaches the stomach first

Question 4

How does alcohol impact the digestive system?

Answer 4

In the stomach, it triggers the secretion of acids, which irritate the stomach lining

Excessive drinking may cause nausea, ulcers, or bleeding from the stomach lining

Question 5

What happens when alcohol reaches the liver?

Answer 5

Alcohol eventually reaches the liver and converts the alcohol to fat, increasing the risk of diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver

Question 6

Which diseases have an increased risk due to alcohol consumption?

Answer 6

Alcohol increases the risk for:

Liver disease, cirrhosis
Many cancers
Anemia, vitamin deficiencies
Cardiorespiratory damage
Disruption to the sympathetic nervous system
Abnormal blood pressure
Seizures
Suicide

Question 7

What is tobacco and what is the primary ingredient in it?

Answer 7

Tobacco: herb that can be smoked or chewed

Primary active ingredient is nicotine, but also contains 400 other compounds and chemicals

Question 8

How does tar and carbon monoxide affect the body?

Answer 8

Tar – affects respiratory structures/mucus
Carbon monoxide – interferes with oxygen carrying capacity of blood cells

Question 9

What is COPD and how is it caused?

Answer 9

Cigarette smoking is the major cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD: progressive limitation of the flow of air into and out of the lungs

Prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke can also increase the risk of COPD

Question 10

Name other respiratory diseases.

Answer 10

Other diseases include emphysema, bronchitis, and other respiratory difficulties