Which of the following individuals is most likely to be susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol?

• A. An adolescent with a high tolerance for alcohol
• B. An elderly adult with impaired liver function
• C. A middle-aged adult who exercises regularly
• D. A healthy young adult with no medical history

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that susceptibility to the toxic effects of alcohol depends on physiological factors such as liver function, age-related metabolism changes, and overall health status.
2. Step 2: Recognize that the liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, so impaired liver function reduces the body's ability to process and eliminate alcohol effectively.
3. Step 3: Consider that elderly adults often experience a decline in liver function and other metabolic processes, making them more vulnerable to alcohol's toxic effects compared to younger individuals.
4. Step 4: Note that a high tolerance to alcohol (as seen in some adolescents) does not necessarily mean reduced toxicity; tolerance refers to behavioral adaptation, not metabolic capacity.
5. Step 5: Conclude that among the options, an elderly adult with impaired liver function is most likely to be susceptible to the toxic effects of alcohol due to decreased metabolic clearance and increased physiological vulnerability.