Addiction Medicine Certification Emergency Procedures & Response 2

Question 1

A patient on buprenorphine maintenance presents with severe chest pain, diaphoresis, and an irregular pulse. What is the FIRST priority?

Accepted Answer

Call 911 and initiate cardiac emergency protocols

Answer

Chest pain with diaphoresis and irregular pulse suggests a cardiac emergency requiring immediate EMS activation and ACLS protocols.

Question 2

Which benzodiazepine is preferred for IV administration in acute alcohol withdrawal seizure management in an emergency setting?

Accepted Answer

Diazepam

Answer

Diazepam is preferred for IV use in acute alcohol withdrawal seizures due to its rapid onset and long half-life providing seizure coverage.

Question 3

A patient with known opioid use disorder is found unresponsive with pinpoint pupils and a respiratory rate of 4/min. After administering 0.4 mg naloxone IM, there is no response after 2 minutes. What is the next step?

Accepted Answer

Administer a second dose of naloxone and call EMS

Answer

If no response to initial naloxone within 2 minutes, repeat dosing (up to 2 mg total) and activate EMS for high-potency opioid overdose management.

Question 4

During alcohol withdrawal, which finding on CIWA-Ar assessment most urgently indicates the need for immediate pharmacological intervention?

Accepted Answer

Score ≥10 with hallucinations and autonomic instability

Answer

A CIWA-Ar score ≥10 with hallucinations and autonomic instability signals severe withdrawal requiring immediate benzodiazepine intervention to prevent progression to delirium tremens.

Question 5

A patient taking methadone for OUD is brought to the ED with QTc of 560 ms on ECG. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Hold methadone, initiate cardiac monitoring, and consult cardiology

Answer

QTc >500 ms on methadone requires immediate dose hold, continuous cardiac monitoring, and cardiology consultation due to Torsades de Pointes risk.

Addiction Medicine Certification Practice Test

Addiction Medicine Certification Practice Test

Addiction Medicine Certification Emergency Procedures & Response 2