DRE Impairment Recognition 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During the DRE evaluation, a subject's pulse rate is 108 bpm, blood pressure is 145/90, and body temperature is 99.8°F. These findings are MOST consistent with which drug category?
- Narcotic Analgesics
- CNS Depressants
- CNS Stimulants (Correct answer)
- Inhalants
Correct answer: CNS Stimulants
CNS stimulants elevate pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature due to sympathomimetic effects.
Question 2: A subject evaluated under the DRE protocol displays muscle rigidity, repetitive body movements, and eyelid tremors. Which drug category is MOST likely responsible?
- Cannabis
- Phencyclidine (PCP) (Correct answer)
- Narcotic Analgesics
- CNS Depressants
Correct answer: Phencyclidine (PCP)
PCP is known to cause muscle rigidity, repetitive movements, and eyelid tremors as hallmark signs.
Question 3: Which of the following is the CORRECT order of the 12-step DRE evaluation?
- Breath test, Interview of arresting officer, Preliminary exam, Eye exams
- Interview of arresting officer, Preliminary exam, Eye exams, Vital signs (Correct answer)
- Vital signs, Eye exams, Divided attention tests, Physical exam
- Preliminary exam, Vital signs, Divided attention tests, Drug influence evaluations
Correct answer: Interview of arresting officer, Preliminary exam, Eye exams, Vital signs
The DRE protocol begins with the breath test, then the arresting officer interview, preliminary exam, and eye exams in that order.
Question 4: A DRE observes that a subject's pupils measure 9 mm in a room with normal lighting. This finding is BEST described as:
- Miosis
- Mydriasis (Correct answer)
- Normal pupil size
- Anisocoria
Correct answer: Mydriasis
Mydriasis refers to abnormally dilated pupils; 9 mm in normal lighting indicates significant dilation.
Question 5: During the Romberg Balance test, a subject estimates 30 seconds as 18 seconds and sways significantly. An internal clock running FASTER than normal is MOST associated with which drug category?
- Narcotic Analgesics
- CNS Depressants
- Cannabis (Correct answer)
- CNS Stimulants
Correct answer: Cannabis
Cannabis users typically have an internal clock that runs fast, causing them to underestimate elapsed time.
Question 6: Which vital sign finding is MOST associated with narcotic analgesic impairment?
- Elevated pulse and blood pressure
- Decreased pulse and low blood pressure (Correct answer)
- Normal pulse with elevated body temperature
- Elevated pulse with normal blood pressure
Correct answer: Decreased pulse and low blood pressure
Narcotic analgesics cause CNS and cardiovascular depression, leading to decreased pulse and lowered blood pressure.
Question 7: A DRE suspect presents with a slow pulse, depressed reflexes, and normal to slightly dilated pupils. Urine temperature is within normal range. Which category is MOST consistent?
- CNS Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- CNS Depressants (Correct answer)
- Dissociative Anesthetics
Correct answer: CNS Depressants
CNS depressants typically produce a slowed pulse, depressed reflexes, and pupils that may be normal to slightly dilated.
DRE Impairment Recognition 2
During the DRE evaluation, a subject's pulse rate is 108 bpm, blood pressure is 145/90, and body temperature is 99.8°F.
These findings are MOST consistent with which drug category?