Practice Test Geeks(DRE) Drug Recognition Expert Certification Practice Test
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DRE Field Sobriety & Vital Signs Flashcards

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

Read the first 6 DRE Field Sobriety & Vital Signs flashcards as text

  1. The DRE 12-step evaluation begins with which step after the officer arrives on scene?

    Answer: Breath alcohol test

    The first step of the DRE 12-step protocol is administering a breath alcohol test to quantify alcohol contribution before evaluating for other drug impairment.

  2. Which nystagmus type is specifically associated with high doses of PCP or ketamine and is NOT caused by alcohol?

    Answer: Vertical gaze nystagmus (VGN)

    Vertical gaze nystagmus (VGN) is associated with high-dose PCP or ketamine use and is generally absent at typical alcohol concentrations.

  3. An inhalant user would most likely present with which combination of vital sign findings during a DRE evaluation?

    Answer: Near-normal vitals with disorientation and odor of substance

    Inhalant users often have near-normal vital signs but display disorientation, slurred speech, and a detectable chemical odor from residual solvent on breath or clothes.

  4. When a DRE measures pupil size using a pupilometer under direct light and finds them at 1–2 mm, this miosis suggests influence of which drug category?

    Answer: Narcotic analgesics

    Narcotic analgesics activate mu-opioid receptors that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, causing strong pupillary constriction (miosis).

  5. During the DRE examination, the 'statement of suspect' step is important because it allows the DRE to do what?

    Answer: Document any admissions to drug use and observe speech and behavior

    The statement step allows the DRE to document voluntary admissions of drug use while observing speech patterns, coherence, and behavioral indicators of impairment.

  6. A DRE notes muscle rigidity (hypertonia) during the muscle tone assessment. This finding is most consistent with which drug category?

    Answer: CNS stimulants

    CNS stimulants increase muscle tone through sympathetic and dopaminergic activation, resulting in the rigidity or stiffness a DRE can detect on passive manipulation.