Question

A 45-year-old woman has been admitted

to a substance abuse center for her alcoholism.
As a first attempt to curb the patient's drinking,
she is given a drug that will lead to an elevation
of which one of the following metabolites if she
drinks alcohol?
(A) Acetic acid
(B) Acetaldehyde
(C) Ethanol
(D) Carbon dioxide
(E) Carbon monoxide

Answer 1

The medication given to the woman will lead to an elevation of acetaldehyde in her system when she consumes alcohol, causing unpleasant effects designed to deter drinking.

Step-by-step explanation:

The drug given to the 45-year-old woman admitted to a substance abuse center for alcoholism is designed to discourage drinking by inducing unpleasant effects if alcohol is consumed. When she drinks alcohol, there will be an elevation of acetaldehyde in her system. This occurs because the medication inhibits the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which normally converts acetaldehyde into acetic acid, a less toxic compound. As a result, acetaldehyde accumulates, leading to symptoms such as flushing, nausea, dizziness, and headache, which are meant to deter further alcohol consumption.