Question

A man with a prolonged history of alcohol abuse fell from a second-story balcony. His BP is 80/60 mm Hg, his heart rate is 120 beats/min, and his skin is cool and pale. When caring for this patient, the EMT should recall that:

a. reduced blood clotting worsens internal bleeding.
b. patients with alcoholism are prone to hyperthermia.
c. alcohol is a stimulant, which likely caused his fall.
d. patients with alcoholism are prone to hyperglycemia.

Answer 1

Patients with a prolonged history of alcohol abuse are prone to reduced blood clotting, which can worsen internal bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for a patient with a prolonged history of alcohol abuse who has fallen from a second-story balcony and has a blood pressure of 80/60 mm Hg, a heart rate of 120 beats/min, and cool and pale skin, the EMT should recall that reduced blood clotting worsens internal bleeding. Patients with alcoholism are prone to reduced blood clotting due to liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. This increases the risk of internal bleeding and can worsen the patient's condition.