This patient with a history of alcoholism and recent disorientation is most at risk for which condition after abruptly stopping alcohol consumption?

The condition that this patient is most at risk for after abruptly stopping alcohol consumption, especially given the history of alcoholism and recent disorientation, is tonic-clonic seizures. This risk is primarily associated with alcohol withdrawal syndrome. When a person who is dependent on alcohol suddenly stops drinking, the body reacts to the absence of alcohol, which has been a central nervous system depressant.

During withdrawal, the nervous system becomes hyperactive, leading to a variety of symptoms including tremors, anxiety, and in more severe cases, seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures are one of the more serious complications and can occur within 6 to 48 hours after the last drink. The likelihood of seizures increases with the severity and duration of alcohol dependence, making individuals with a significant history of alcoholism particularly vulnerable.

In contrast, conditions like schizophrenia require a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors, and are not directly caused by alcohol withdrawal. Hypothermia, while a risk for various populations, is not specifically associated with alcohol cessation. Hyperglycemia may occur in individuals with other health conditions or metabolic issues but is not a typical direct consequence of alcohol withdrawal. Thus, the greatest concern in this scenario is indeed the risk of tonic-clonic seizures.