CARN Pharmacology in Addictions Nursing 2

Question 1

A patient on methadone maintenance therapy reports severe constipation. Which mechanism best explains this side effect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased GI motility due to mu-opioid receptor activation in the gut

Answer

Increased GI motility due to opioid receptor stimulation

Answer

Serotonin antagonism causing bowel spasm

Answer

Dopamine blockade reducing peristalsis

Question 2

Which medication used in alcohol use disorder works by blocking the reinforcing effects of alcohol through opioid receptor antagonism?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Disulfiram

Answer

Acamprosate

Answer

Topiramate

Question 3

A nurse is educating a patient starting buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone). Which instruction is most critical to prevent precipitated withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

Wait until experiencing moderate withdrawal symptoms (COWS score ≥8-12) before taking the first dose

Answer

Take the first dose immediately after using opioids

Answer

Take with food to improve absorption

Answer

Swallow the film whole for best effect

Question 4

Which benzodiazepine property makes long-acting agents preferred for managing alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Self-tapering effect due to long half-life reducing seizure risk

Answer

Higher abuse potential requiring closer monitoring

Answer

Faster onset providing quicker symptom relief

Answer

Increased potency requiring lower doses

Question 5

Varenicline (Chantix) aids smoking cessation primarily through which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Partial agonism at alpha-4 beta-2 nicotinic receptors, reducing cravings and blocking nicotine reward

Answer

Full agonism at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

Answer

Inhibition of dopamine reuptake in the nucleus accumbens

Answer

Antagonism of NMDA glutamate receptors

Question 6

A patient taking disulfiram consumes a small amount of alcohol hidden in a sauce. Which symptom cluster is most expected?

Accepted Answer

Flushing, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, and hypotension

Answer

Sedation, respiratory depression, and miosis

Answer

Hypertension, diaphoresis, and hyperthermia

Answer

Bradycardia, bronchospasm, and lacrimation

Question 7

Which statement correctly describes acamprosate's mechanism in treating alcohol use disorder?

Accepted Answer

It modulates glutamate and GABA activity to reduce post-acute withdrawal symptoms

Answer

It causes an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed

Answer

It blocks opioid receptors to reduce alcohol cravings

Answer

It inhibits alcohol metabolism to maintain sobriety