It is a beautiful hot summer day. You are enjoying a barbeque party and outdoor games at your friend's house. Everyone is having fun. Three hours into the party, one of your friends begins complaining of a headache and stomachache. He has been drinking beer from the start of the party and has also been sweating excessively while participating in the games. All of a sudden your friend faints.

1. What happened to your friend?  What symptoms other than those described in the case study might you expect to see?

2. What information from the patient’s symptoms contributed to your decision?

3. Is this a serious or life-threatening situation?

4. What role might have alcohol played in his condition?

5. Are there any other complications of this disease for the long term that your friend should be worried about, for example, if he didn’t get treatment?