CADC Infectious Diseases and Medical Complications of Substance Use

Question 1

Which bloodborne infection is the most prevalent among people who inject drugs?

Accepted Answer

Hepatitis C

Answer

Hepatitis C is spread efficiently through shared needles and other injection equipment and is the most common bloodborne infection among people who inject drugs. Testing and linkage to curative antiviral treatment are important parts of care.

Question 2

Research on syringe services programs (SSPs) shows that they:

Accepted Answer

Reduce HIV and HCV transmission without increasing illegal drug use

Answer

Syringe services programs are an evidence-based harm-reduction strategy that lowers HIV and hepatitis C transmission, and they often connect participants with treatment, testing, and other services, without increasing drug use.

Question 3

Which screening is routinely recommended for clients entering congregate residential substance use treatment settings?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis screening

Answer

TB spreads more easily in congregate settings, and people with substance use disorders and HIV have higher risk. Programs typically screen with symptom review plus a tuberculin skin test or IGRA blood test.

Question 4

A client with long-term heavy alcohol use presents with confusion, unsteady gait, and abnormal eye movements. Which deficiency is most likely involved?

Accepted Answer

Thiamine (vitamin B1)

Answer

The triad of confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia suggests Wernicke's encephalopathy, caused by thiamine deficiency in chronic alcohol use. It is a medical emergency treated with thiamine, and it can progress to Korsakoff syndrome.

Question 5

Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is used to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce the risk of acquiring HIV in people who are HIV-negative

Answer

PrEP is a medication regimen taken by HIV-negative people at risk of exposure that substantially lowers the risk of HIV infection when taken consistently. Counselors can support awareness, referral, and adherence.

(CADC) Certification Prep and Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practice Test

(CADC) Certification Prep and Alcohol and Drug Counselor Practice Test

CADC Infectious Diseases and Medical Complications of Substance Use