Alcohol
Definition
Alcohol is a psychoactive substance that can depress the central nervous system. It is commonly consumed in beverages and has various effects on physical and mental health depending on the amount ingested.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Alcohol is metabolized primarily in the liver by enzymes such as alcohol dehydrogenase.
- Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to nutritional deficiencies, particularly of B vitamins like thiamine and folate.
- Alcohol has a significant impact on neurological health, potentially leading to conditions such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- Excessive alcohol intake is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases including hypertension and cardiomyopathy.
- Nurses must be aware of the signs of alcohol withdrawal, which can include tremors, agitation, and seizures.
Review Questions
- What enzyme primarily metabolizes alcohol in the liver?
- Which neurological condition is associated with chronic alcohol consumption due to vitamin B deficiency?
- How does excessive alcohol intake affect cardiovascular health?
"Alcohol" appears in:
Study guides (6)
- Nutrition for Nurses - 4.4 The Nurse’s Role in the Promotion of Gut Health
- Nutrition for Nurses - 5.2 Plan Nutritional Strategies to Impact Neurologic Wellness
- Nutrition for Nurses - 6.1 The Impact of Nutrition on Neurological Wellness Across the Lifespan
- Nutrition for Nurses - 6.3 Neurologic Condition Treatments, Medications, and Nutrition
- Nutrition for Nurses - 8.3 Treatments and Nutrition
- Nutrition for Nurses - 11.1 Assess and Analyze the Impact of Nutrition on the Cardiovascular System
Related terms
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome: A neurological disorder caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1), often associated with chronic alcoholism.
Alcohol Dehydrogenase: An enzyme that helps break down alcohol in the liver.
Cardiomyopathy: A disease of the heart muscle that can be exacerbated by chronic alcohol abuse.
