Detox Detox Medications and Pharmacology

Question 1

What is the mechanism of action of naltrexone in treating alcohol use disorder after detox?

Accepted Answer

It binds opioid receptors and reduces the rewarding effects of alcohol

Answer

It blocks dopamine receptors, reducing euphoria

Answer

It acts as a GABA agonist to ease cravings

Answer

It increases serotonin to improve mood

Question 2

Which benzodiazepine is preferred for alcohol detox in patients with severe liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam (Ativan)

Answer

Diazepam (Valium)

Answer

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Answer

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Question 3

What is the risk of administering glucose-containing IV fluids BEFORE thiamine in a malnourished alcoholic?

Accepted Answer

Precipitating Wernicke's encephalopathy by depleting remaining thiamine stores

Answer

Hyperglycemic coma

Answer

Causing immediate seizure activity

Answer

Inducing refeeding syndrome only

Question 4

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is used in alcohol use disorder treatment by which mechanism?

Accepted Answer

Causing an aversive reaction when alcohol is consumed by blocking acetaldehyde metabolism

Answer

Reducing alcohol cravings via opioid receptor blockade

Answer

Mimicking alcohol's effects to prevent withdrawal

Answer

Increasing GABA activity to reduce anxiety

Question 5

Which medication is used in opioid detox to suppress withdrawal symptoms by acting as a partial opioid agonist?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Clonidine

Answer

Methadone

Question 6

Acamprosate (Campral) helps prevent relapse after alcohol detox by which action?

Accepted Answer

Restoring GABA/glutamate balance disrupted by chronic alcohol use

Answer

Creating an aversive reaction to alcohol

Answer

Blocking dopamine reward pathways

Answer

Increasing endorphin release to substitute for alcohol reward