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Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders Flashcards

7 cards from real CASAC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pharmacology and Co-Occurring Disorders flashcards as text

  1. A client on buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) reports taking a benzodiazepine prescribed by another doctor. What is the primary concern?

    Answer: Increased risk of fatal respiratory depression

    Combining buprenorphine with benzodiazepines carries a significant risk of respiratory depression and death, which is why the FDA issued a black box warning.

  2. Which neurotransmitter system is primarily targeted by SSRIs used to treat co-occurring depression in clients with alcohol use disorder?

    Answer: Serotonin

    SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse.

  3. A client with opioid use disorder and PTSD is being treated with naltrexone. Which statement about this combination is most accurate?

    Answer: Naltrexone may also help reduce PTSD-related alcohol cravings

    Research suggests naltrexone can reduce cravings for alcohol in clients with PTSD, making it useful in treating co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorder.

  4. What is the mechanism of action of disulfiram (Antabuse) in treating alcohol use disorder?

    Answer: Inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase causing toxic acetaldehyde buildup

    Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing acetaldehyde to accumulate when alcohol is consumed, producing an aversive reaction.

  5. A client with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder is prescribed an antipsychotic. Cannabis use is most likely to do which of the following?

    Answer: Worsen psychotic symptoms and undermine medication adherence

    Cannabis use can exacerbate psychotic symptoms, trigger relapse, and reduce medication adherence in clients with schizophrenia.

  6. Which of the following is the most appropriate pharmacological treatment for alcohol withdrawal seizures?

    Answer: Benzodiazepines

    Benzodiazepines are the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal seizures because they enhance GABA activity to stabilize the nervous system.

  7. A client with bipolar disorder and alcohol use disorder is being considered for mood-stabilizing medication. Which mood stabilizer also has evidence for reducing alcohol cravings?

    Answer: Valproate

    Valproate (valproic acid) has shown efficacy as a mood stabilizer and has evidence supporting reduced alcohol cravings and consumption in clients with bipolar disorder.