Which statement about BAC and intoxication over time is true?

Which statement about BAC and intoxication over time is true?

• A. BAC increases after the last drink
• B. Intoxication remains constant indefinitely
• C. BAC drops to zero instantly after the last drink
• D. BAC begins to decrease and intoxication diminishes

Answer: (D)

The main idea is how BAC and impairment change once drinking stops. After you finish drinking, no more alcohol is entering the bloodstream (apart from a little ongoing absorption from the stomach for a short while), and the liver begins to metabolize the alcohol already present. This metabolism causes BAC to fall, and as BAC drops, the signs of intoxication lessen. It’s a gradual process, not instantaneous, and BAC doesn’t jump back to zero right away. The other ideas don’t fit because there isn’t continued rise in BAC after the last drink, intoxication doesn’t stay constant indefinitely, and you don’t reach zero BAC instantly.

The main idea is how BAC and impairment change once drinking stops. After you finish drinking, no more alcohol is entering the bloodstream (apart from a little ongoing absorption from the stomach for a short while), and the liver begins to metabolize the alcohol already present. This metabolism causes BAC to fall, and as BAC drops, the signs of intoxication lessen. It’s a gradual process, not instantaneous, and BAC doesn’t jump back to zero right away.

The other ideas don’t fit because there isn’t continued rise in BAC after the last drink, intoxication doesn’t stay constant indefinitely, and you don’t reach zero BAC instantly.