FREE CARN Pharmacology in Addictions Nursing Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with severe alcohol use disorder is prescribed disulfiram.
The nurse educates the patient that if they consume alcohol, they will experience a severe adverse reaction.
This reaction is caused by the inhibition of which enzyme, leading to the accumulation of acetaldehyde?

Accepted Answer

Aldehyde dehydrogenase

Answer

Alcohol dehydrogenase

Answer

Monoamine oxidase

Answer

Cytochrome P450 2E1

Question 2

A nurse is administering varenicline (Chantix) to a patient for smoking cessation. Which of the following best describes the dual mechanism of action for this medication?

Accepted Answer

It is a partial agonist at α4β2 nicotinic receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal while also blocking nicotine from binding.

Answer

It acts as a full nicotine receptor agonist while also blocking dopamine reuptake.

Answer

It is a nicotine receptor antagonist that also increases serotonin levels.

Answer

It inhibits the enzymes that break down nicotine, increasing its duration of action in the brain.

Question 3

A patient with opioid use disorder is being considered for Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). When comparing methadone and buprenorphine, what is a key pharmacological difference a CARN should understand?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine has a 'ceiling effect' on respiratory depression, making it safer in an overdose than methadone.

Answer

Methadone is a partial opioid agonist, while buprenorphine is a full opioid agonist.

Answer

Methadone can be prescribed in an office-based setting, whereas buprenorphine is restricted to opioid treatment programs.

Answer

Buprenorphine has a longer half-life than methadone, requiring less frequent dosing.

Question 4

A patient who has maintained abstinence from alcohol for several months is prescribed acamprosate (Campral). The nurse should explain that the primary goal of this medication is to:

Accepted Answer

Restore the balance between GABA and glutamate neurotransmission to reduce cravings.

Answer

Induce a negative physical reaction if alcohol is consumed.

Answer

Treat underlying depression that often co-occurs with alcohol use disorder.

Answer

Reduce acute withdrawal symptoms such as tremors and seizures.

Question 5

Which of the following is the primary mechanism by which naltrexone assists in the treatment of both alcohol and opioid use disorders?

Accepted Answer

It is an opioid receptor antagonist that blocks the euphoric and rewarding effects of opioids and alcohol.

Answer

It mimics the effects of the substance to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

Answer

It restores the balance of glutamate in the brain to reduce cravings.

Answer

It causes an aversive reaction when the substance is used, discouraging further consumption.

Question 6

A patient is undergoing a medically supervised withdrawal from a long-term, high-dose benzodiazepine dependence. Which pharmacological principle is most critical for the nurse to consider when managing this process?

Accepted Answer

Gradually tapering the dose, potentially substituting with a long-acting benzodiazepine, to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.

Answer

Initiating an opioid antagonist to reverse the sedative effects.

Answer

Abruptly discontinuing the benzodiazepine to shorten the withdrawal period.

Answer

Administering a GABA receptor antagonist like flumazenil to expedite detoxification.