Liver Case Study Liver and Alcohol

Steve Q. is a 52-yr-old Caucasian male with a family history of alcoholism.  He is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 238 pounds, with much of his excess weight around his middle.  He considers himself a social drinker although he has had two arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol.  Steve recently has been diagnosed with diabetes and takes an oral medication to control his blood glucose.  He also has high cholesterol and has recently started on a lipid-lowering medication.  Recent tests have revealed Steve has fatty liver, which concerns him.  He also reports having occasional low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) and feeling shaky and dizzy.

1) How much alcohol can the liver process per hour?

a. 1/2 ounce

b. 1 ounce

c. 1 1/2 ounces

d. 2 ounces

e. 2 1/2 ounces

2) How many ounces of 80 proof liquor are in a single serving?

a. 1/2 ounce

b. 1 ounce

c. 1 1/2 ounces

d. 2 ounces

e. 2 1/2 ounces

3) If Mr. Q. drinks a quart of beer, how many servings of alcohol is he consuming?

a. about 1 serving

b. just over 2 servings

c. nearly 3 servings

d. almost 6 servings

4) Mr. Q is concerned about his recent fatty liver diagnosis.  Which of the following is true of fatty liver?

a. It rarely progresses, even if drinking continues.

b. It is characterized by the formation of scar tissue.

c. It is generally "silent" and rarely has effects on the liver or on health in general.

d. In the early stages, it is reversible with abstinence from alcohol.

e. Even with abstinence, it is likely to progress to cirrhosis.

5) If Mr. Q. continues drinking, how might alcohol affect his health?

a. increased risk of colon cancer

b. increased testosterone levels

c. shrinking of kidneys

d. decreased joint inflammation

e. increased bone mass