CCAT Pain Management and Pharmacology 4

Question 1

In the gate control theory of pain, activation of large-diameter Aβ fibers is proposed to reduce pain by:

Accepted Answer

Inhibiting transmission from small C-fibers at the spinal cord level

Answer

Aβ fiber activation stimulates inhibitory interneurons in the dorsal horn that 'close the gate' to nociceptive input from C- and Aδ-fibers.

Question 2

Transdermal fentanyl patches in dogs differ from cats primarily in that dogs:

Accepted Answer

Metabolize fentanyl faster and may need higher patch concentrations

Answer

Dogs generally metabolize fentanyl faster than cats and may require larger patch sizes or more frequent changes to maintain therapeutic plasma levels.

Question 3

Which pain assessment tool is specifically validated for post-operative pain in dogs and uses behavioral and physiological indicators?

Accepted Answer

Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS)

Answer

The Glasgow Composite Measure Pain Scale (GCMPS) is a validated multidimensional tool for assessing acute post-operative pain specifically in dogs.

Question 4

A rehabilitation patient is receiving maropitant (Cerenia) concurrently with opioids. The analgesic benefit of maropitant is related to its:

Accepted Answer

Neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonism

Answer

Maropitant blocks NK-1 receptors, which are activated by substance P, providing visceral analgesia in addition to its primary antiemetic effect.

Question 5

Neuropathic pain in companion animals is BEST characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Hypersensitivity and pain outlasting the original injury

Answer

Neuropathic pain involves altered nervous system processing, leading to hypersensitivity (allodynia, hyperalgesia) that persists beyond the expected healing period.

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Practice Test

CCAT Pain Management and Pharmacology 4