DRE Drug Categories & Effects 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which drug category is the ONLY one of the seven associated with lack of convergence as the primary eye examination finding?
- Hallucinogens
- Cannabis (Correct answer)
- Inhalants
- CNS Stimulants
Correct answer: Cannabis
Cannabis reliably causes lack of convergence, making this finding the most specific eye sign for that drug category.
Question 2: A subject under the influence of a CNS Stimulant would most likely exhibit which combination of findings?
- Dilated pupils, slow pulse, dry mouth
- Constricted pupils, elevated BP, dry mouth
- Dilated pupils, rapid pulse, dry mouth (Correct answer)
- Constricted pupils, slow pulse, watery eyes
Correct answer: Dilated pupils, rapid pulse, dry mouth
CNS Stimulants produce dilated pupils, tachycardia, hypertension, and dry mouth due to sympathomimetic activity.
Question 3: In the DRE protocol, which category of drugs is most associated with horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) AND vertical gaze nystagmus (VGN)?
- Cannabis
- Dissociative Anesthetics (Correct answer)
- CNS Stimulants
- Narcotic Analgesics
Correct answer: Dissociative Anesthetics
Dissociative Anesthetics (PCP, ketamine) uniquely cause HGN, VGN, and nystagmus at maximum deviation on all four planes of gaze.
Question 4: Heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone all belong to which DRE drug category?
- CNS Depressants
- Narcotic Analgesics (Correct answer)
- Dissociative Anesthetics
- Hallucinogens
Correct answer: Narcotic Analgesics
All opioid-based pain relievers — natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic — are classified as Narcotic Analgesics in the DRE system.
Question 5: Which drug category is most likely when a DRE finds a subject with a body temperature of 97°F (below normal), slow respiration, and a pulse rate of 58 bpm?
- Inhalants
- CNS Depressants
- Narcotic Analgesics (Correct answer)
- Cannabis
Correct answer: Narcotic Analgesics
Narcotic Analgesics depress respiration, slow pulse, and lower body temperature, producing the classic opioid toxidrome.
Question 6: MDMA (ecstasy/molly) is classified under which DRE drug category for evaluation purposes?
- Hallucinogens
- CNS Stimulants (Correct answer)
- Cannabis
- Dissociative Anesthetics
Correct answer: CNS Stimulants
MDMA is categorized as a CNS Stimulant in the DRE framework because it predominantly produces stimulant vital-sign indicators such as elevated pulse and dilated pupils.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of an Inhalant as defined in the DRE drug categories?
- Methamphetamine
- Nitrous oxide (Correct answer)
- LSD
- Alprazolam
Correct answer: Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is inhaled directly and classified as an Inhalant; it produces euphoria, dizziness, and brief CNS depression.
DRE Drug Categories & Effects 3
Which drug category is the ONLY one of the seven associated with lack of convergence as the primary eye examination finding?