If an average adult metabolizes alcohol at 1 standard drink per hour, how long would it take to metabolize 3 standard drinks if a liver condition reduced the individual's metabolic rate by 40% (i.e., they metabolize at 60% of the average rate)? Show work.

• A. Approximately 5 hours.
• B. It cannot be estimated numerically; metabolic rate reductions always produce completely unpredictable clearance times.
• C. Approximately 3 hours because the body always metabolizes on a fixed schedule regardless of health.
• D. Approximately 1.8 hours due to compensatory mechanisms that speed metabolism when liver function is impaired.

Answer: (A)