Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A client is seen in the Emergency Department (ED) following a motor vehicle accident. The client's blood alcohol level (BAL) is $0.11 \mathrm{~g} / \mathrm{dL}$. The nurse assesses that this client:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: is legally intoxicated. In most states, a blood alcohol level (BAL) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle. Since the client's BAL is 0.11 g/dL, it exceeds the legal limit, indicating intoxication. Choice A is incorrect because the BAL result already indicates intoxication without the need for further testing. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests variability based on state laws, which may be true to some extent but doesn't change the fact that the BAL is above the legal limit in this case. Choice D is incorrect as the client's BAL is actually above the legal limit.