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Pain Management and Pharmacology Flashcards

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

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  1. Which opioid receptor subtype is primarily responsible for spinal analgesia in companion animals?

    Answer: Mu (μ)

    Mu opioid receptors are the primary mediators of spinal analgesia and are the main target of most clinically used opioids.

  2. A dog recovering from orthopedic surgery shows signs of wind-up pain. Which pharmacological class best addresses central sensitization?

    Answer: NMDA receptor antagonists

    NMDA receptor antagonists like ketamine directly block the glutamate receptors responsible for central sensitization and wind-up pain.

  3. Gabapentin is classified pharmacologically as:

    Answer: An alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligand

    Gabapentin binds to the alpha-2-delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing excitatory neurotransmitter release.

  4. Which route of tramadol administration in cats is LEAST effective due to poor oral bioavailability of the active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol?

    Answer: Oral

    Cats have limited ability to convert tramadol to its active metabolite O-desmethyltramadol via CYP2D6, making oral dosing less effective than parenteral routes.

  5. During rehabilitation, a therapist notices a patient is on long-term corticosteroids. Which concurrent medication is CONTRAINDICATED due to high risk of gastrointestinal ulceration?

    Answer: Meloxicam

    Combining corticosteroids with NSAIDs like meloxicam dramatically increases the risk of GI ulceration and hemorrhage.

  6. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pain in animals differs from the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in that it:

    Answer: Uses discrete numbered categories instead of a continuous line

    The NRS uses discrete integer categories (e.g., 0–10) while the VAS uses a continuous 100mm line for scoring pain.

  7. Which pharmacokinetic parameter best describes how quickly a drug's plasma concentration declines after distribution, relevant for scheduling repeat analgesic doses?

    Answer: Elimination half-life (t½)

    Elimination half-life determines how long a drug remains effective and guides dosing intervals to maintain therapeutic concentrations.