DRE Impairment Recognition 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When conducting the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, at what angle from center is the DRE evaluating for onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees?
- 30 degrees (Correct answer)
- 45 degrees
- 60 degrees
- The test does not assess onset angle
Correct answer: 30 degrees
Onset of nystagmus before 45 degrees from center is a key HGN clue, typically occurring around 30 degrees in impaired individuals.
Question 2: A subject evaluated by a DRE has a body temperature of 95.2°F. This finding of hypothermia is MOST associated with which drug category?
- CNS Stimulants
- Narcotic Analgesics (Correct answer)
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
Correct answer: Narcotic Analgesics
Narcotic analgesics can cause hypothermia due to their CNS depressant effects on thermoregulation.
Question 3: During a DRE evaluation, a subject's conjunctivae appear red, pulse is 90 bpm, and the subject reports time as moving slowly. Which category does this BEST support?
- Inhalants
- Cannabis (Correct answer)
- PCP
- CNS Stimulants
Correct answer: Cannabis
Cannabis commonly causes reddened conjunctivae, a mildly elevated pulse, and a slow internal clock (time distortion).
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT one of the seven drug categories recognized in the DRE program?
- Dissociative Anesthetics
- Narcotic Analgesics
- Antidepressants (Correct answer)
- Inhalants
Correct answer: Antidepressants
Antidepressants are not one of the seven DRE drug categories; the program does not include a specific antidepressant category.
Question 5: A DRE officer notices a subject is drooling, has a slow pulse of 52 bpm, constricted pupils, and is extremely drowsy. Which drug category is MOST likely?
- Hallucinogens
- Narcotic Analgesics (Correct answer)
- CNS Stimulants
- Dissociative Anesthetics
Correct answer: Narcotic Analgesics
Narcotic analgesics classically produce miosis (constricted pupils), decreased pulse, drowsiness, and drooling.
Question 6: In the DRE 12-step protocol, the toxicological examination (Step 12) requires collection of which specimen?
- Blood only
- Urine only
- Blood, urine, or other appropriate sample (Correct answer)
- Breath only
Correct answer: Blood, urine, or other appropriate sample
Step 12 requires collection of blood, urine, or other appropriate toxicological sample to confirm the DRE's opinion.
Question 7: Which divided attention test requires the subject to count a specific number of steps, turn, and return while the officer counts aloud?
- Romberg Balance
- One Leg Stand
- Walk and Turn (Correct answer)
- Finger to Nose
Correct answer: Walk and Turn
The Walk and Turn test requires the subject to take a specific number of heel-to-toe steps, turn, and return on a line.
DRE Impairment Recognition 3
When conducting the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, at what angle from center is the DRE evaluating for onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees?