A 42-Year-Old Man Is Brought to the Emergency Department After

question 28

Multiple Choice

A 42-year-old man is brought to the emergency department after a suspected suicide attempt.  The patient's wife filed for divorce a few days ago, and 3 hours ago, he began drinking alcohol and took multiple acetaminophen tablets.  He has had several episodes of vomiting.  The patient has no significant history of alcohol use, and he last drank alcohol 6 months ago.  Vital signs are stable.  Laboratory results are pending.  The patient's family is concerned about significant liver injury given his concurrent alcohol and acetaminophen intake.  A physician explains to the family that acute ethanol ingestion may reduce the risk of acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.  Which of the following actions of ethanol best explains this phenomenon?

• A)Competitive inhibition of hepatic cytochrome P450
• B)Depletion of hepatic glutathione synthesis
• C)Impaired hepatic glucuronidation of acetaminophen
• D)Impaired intestinal absorption of acetaminophen
• E)Induction of hepatic cytochrome P450

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Definitions:

Utility Function

A mathematical representation of how consumers prioritize among different bundles of goods and services to achieve maximum satisfaction.

Wealth

The total value of all financial assets and physical possessions owned by an individual, household, or nation, minus any debts.

Level Of Satisfaction

A measure of how goods, services, or conditions meet an individual's needs, desires, or expectations.

Risk Averse

A description of an individual or entity that prefers to avoid risk or chooses lower risk options when faced with uncertainty, often prioritizing security over potential higher returns.