FREE ABPN Basic Questions And Answers

Question 1

By the use of the descending pain pathway, the dorsal horn facilitates the transmission of signals from peripheral nerves to the thalamus in response to noxious stimuli.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

The statement is false. The descending pain pathway primarily functions to *modulate* or *inhibit* pain signals, rather than facilitating their transmission. It originates in the brainstem and projects to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, where it can release neurotransmitters to reduce the intensity of incoming pain signals from peripheral nerves. The *ascending* pain pathway is responsible for transmitting pain signals to the thalamus and higher brain centers.

Question 2

Which of the following statements of the many forms of chronic pain is NOT TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Only morphologic changes are observed in cases of chronic back pain.

Answer

The statement that 'Only morphologic changes are observed in cases of chronic back pain' is NOT TRUE. Chronic back pain, like other chronic pain conditions, involves complex neuroplastic changes in the central nervous system, including sensitization of neurons, altered pain processing, and functional changes in brain regions involved in pain perception and modulation. These changes extend far beyond mere morphological alterations and contribute significantly to the persistent pain experience.

Question 3

Which of the following descriptions of Neurontin, or gabapentin is NOT TRUE?

Accepted Answer

All of the above.

Answer

The question asks which statement about gabapentin is NOT TRUE, and the correct answer is 'All of the above.' This implies that statements A, B, C, and D are all considered FALSE. However, renal adjustment is required for gabapentin (A is TRUE), the titration schedule provided is common (B is TRUE), dizziness and somnolence are common adverse effects (C is TRUE), and the onset of action and trial duration are generally accurate (D is TRUE). Given that A, B, C, and D are generally true, the premise that 'All of the above' are NOT TRUE (i.e., all are false) is incorrect, indicating a potential flaw in the question's design or answer choices.

Question 4

Which of the following statements regarding Lyrica, or pregabalin is NOT TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Starting dose - 500mg/day; Titration-Within 1 week

Answer

The statement 'Starting dose - 500mg/day; Titration-Within 1 week' for Lyrica (pregabalin) is NOT TRUE. The typical starting dose for pregabalin is significantly lower, often 75mg twice daily or 50mg three times daily (totaling 100-150mg/day), not 500mg/day. While titration can be relatively quick, starting at such a high dose and titrating within one week is not standard practice and would likely lead to severe side effects.

Question 5

Applying a 5% patch, which can be cut to fit the administration site, once a day is part of the proper lidocaine patch administration protocol.

Accepted Answer

False

Answer

The statement that a 5% lidocaine patch can be cut to fit the administration site is false. Lidocaine patches, particularly those with a drug matrix design (like Lidoderm), are generally not recommended to be cut. Cutting the patch can compromise the integrity of the drug delivery system, potentially altering the release rate, exposing the drug to air, or leading to inconsistent dosing. Patients are typically instructed to apply the patch whole to the affected area.

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Practice Test

American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Practice Test

FREE ABPN Basic Questions And Answers