IC&RC Pharmacology & Psychoactive Substances

Question 1

Which drug class is most associated with potentially life-threatening withdrawal that can include seizures and delirium tremens?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol and other CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines

Answer

Abrupt cessation of alcohol or benzodiazepines after heavy, prolonged use can cause seizures and delirium tremens, so medically supervised withdrawal is often needed.

Question 2

Which medication is an opioid antagonist used to block the effects of opioids and to reverse an overdose?

Accepted Answer

Naloxone

Answer

Naloxone is a short-acting opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses respiratory depression in an opioid overdose. Methadone is a full agonist, buprenorphine is a partial agonist, and disulfiram is used for alcohol use disorder.

Question 3

A client needs progressively larger amounts of a substance to get the same effect. This is called:

Accepted Answer

Tolerance

Answer

Tolerance is a decreased response to a drug after repeated use, so higher doses are needed for the original effect.

Question 4

Which medication is FDA-approved to treat alcohol use disorder by causing an unpleasant reaction when alcohol is consumed?

Accepted Answer

Disulfiram

Answer

Disulfiram inhibits aldehyde dehydrogenase, causing flushing, nausea, and palpitations when alcohol is ingested. Naltrexone and acamprosate reduce craving but do not cause an aversive reaction.

Question 5

Using two substances together so that the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects is called:

Accepted Answer

Synergism (potentiation)

Answer

Synergistic or potentiating effects are why combining alcohol with opioids or benzodiazepines is so dangerous for respiratory depression.

(IC&RC) International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium Practice Test

(IC&RC) International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium Practice Test

IC&RC Pharmacology & Psychoactive Substances