MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

If a person has a BAC of 0.35% and then 0.40%, what is the best course of action?

1. Give a third test

2. Place the subject in a cell for OWI

3. Take the subject to the hospital

4. Issue a citation and release

The correct answer is: Take the subject to the hospital

A BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of 0.35% to 0.40% is extremely high and indicates a severe level of intoxication, which can be life-threatening. At this level, an individual is at significant risk for alcohol poisoning, respiratory failure, and even death. Taking the subject to the hospital is the most appropriate course of action because it ensures that they receive immediate medical attention. Medical professionals can monitor vital signs and provide necessary interventions, such as intravenous fluids or airway support, to prevent further complications. The other options, while relevant in different scenarios, do not address the immediate health risks associated with such elevated BAC levels. Simply giving another test would not contribute to the person's safety or well-being. Placing the individual in a cell, while perhaps a standard procedure in some cases, does nothing to promote their health. Issuing a citation and releasing an individual at such a high level of intoxication risks their safety and well-being, making medical assistance vital.