Alcohol Influence and Physiological Effects Flashcards

According to NHTSA research, measurable impairment of driving-related skills can begin at a BAC as low as:

Answer: 0.02%

NHTSA research indicates that some driving-related skills, particularly divided attention tasks, begin to be measurably impaired at BAC levels as low as 0.02%.

Which cognitive skill is typically the first to be negatively affected by alcohol consumption?

Answer: Divided attention

Divided attention — the ability to perform two or more tasks simultaneously — is among the first cognitive skills impaired by alcohol, making it a key focus of SFSTs.

In SFST training, 'divided attention' is best defined as:

Answer: The ability to perform two or more mental or physical tasks simultaneously

Divided attention refers to the cognitive ability to simultaneously perform multiple tasks, such as steering while monitoring speed — a skill that alcohol significantly degrades.

Alcohol absorption into the bloodstream is most rapid when alcohol is consumed:

Answer: On an empty stomach

Without food to slow gastric emptying, alcohol passes quickly into the small intestine where the majority of rapid absorption occurs, causing BAC to rise faster.

The primary route of alcohol elimination from the body is through:

Answer: Metabolism by the liver

Approximately 90–95% of consumed alcohol is eliminated through hepatic metabolism (liver), while small amounts are excreted via breath, urine, and sweat.

Alcohol-induced nystagmus occurs primarily because alcohol impairs the function of which part of the brain?

Answer: Cerebellum

Alcohol disrupts the cerebellum and brainstem, which control smooth tracking eye movements, causing the jerking motion observed as horizontal gaze nystagmus.

Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN) is typically associated with BAC levels at or above:

Answer: 0.15%

Vertical Gaze Nystagmus generally indicates a very high BAC (typically 0.15% or above) or the influence of certain drugs, and is not present at moderate BAC levels.