Question

A 40-year-old man is brought to the emergency department intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 0.28 g/100 mL after a single-vehicle crash. He is haemodynamically stable with a GCS of 14. CT trauma series is normal. Which is the most appropriate discharge criterion?

Accepted Answer

He can be discharged when clinically sober, with a responsible adult and safety plan, regardless of exact blood alcohol level

Answer

He can be discharged once his blood alcohol level is below the legal driving limit

Answer

He must be admitted to ICU for 24 hours

Answer

He can be discharged immediately as imaging is normal

Answer

He should be detained until all alcohol is eliminated, even if clinically well

Practice question

A 40-year-old man is brought to the emergency department intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of 0.28 g/100 mL after a single-vehicle crash. He is haemodynamically stable with a GCS of 14. CT trauma series is normal. Which is the most appropriate discharge criterion?