Final answer:
Alcohol poisoning occurs when the blood alcohol concentration rises to an extreme level, affecting breathing and heart rate. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination, and alcohol intoxication is defined by a BAC greater than 5.4-17.4 mmol/L. Alcohol is metabolized in the body at a rate of about 3.3 mmol/L per hour.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term alcohol poisoning is used when the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) rises to an extreme level where a person's breathing and heart rate are interrupted. Alcohol intoxication typically begins after two or more alcoholic drinks. Risk factors include a social situation where heavy drinking is common and a person having an impulsive personality. Diagnosis is usually based on the history of events and physical examination. Verification of events by witnesses may be useful. Legally, alcohol intoxication is often defined as a BAC of greater than 5.4-17.4 mmol/L (25-80 mg/dL or 0.025-0.080%). This can be measured by blood or breath testing. Alcohol is broken down in the human body at a rate of about 3.3 mmol/L (15 mg/dL) per hour.