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Drug Abuse and Alcoholism Flashcards

7 cards from real NRCME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Drug Abuse and Alcoholism flashcards as text

  1. A CMV driver presents with a BAC of 0.02% during a random DOT alcohol test. What is the correct action?

    Answer: Immediate removal from safety-sensitive duty for at least 24 hours

    A BAC of 0.02–0.039% requires removal from safety-sensitive function for at least 24 hours per DOT regulations.

  2. Which of the following best describes the CAGE questionnaire in the context of alcohol screening?

    Answer: A 4-item tool assessing Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener drinking behaviors

    The CAGE questionnaire uses four yes/no questions about cutting down, annoyance, guilt, and eye-openers to screen for alcohol use disorder.

  3. A truck driver reports using prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) for opioid use disorder. Under FMCSA regulations, what is the driver's qualification status?

    Answer: Disqualified because opioid-based medications preclude CMV operation

    FMCSA advisory criteria disqualify drivers using Schedule II or III opioids including buprenorphine, as they cannot meet the 'no current use of a controlled substance' standard.

  4. Which laboratory marker is most useful for detecting chronic heavy alcohol use over the past 2–4 weeks?

    Answer: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT)

    CDT is a sensitive and specific biomarker that reflects heavy alcohol consumption over the preceding 2–4 weeks.

  5. Under 49 CFR Part 382, what is the minimum waiting period before a driver who tested positive for drugs may return to safety-sensitive duty?

    Answer: Successful completion of SAP-directed evaluation and follow-up testing

    Drivers must complete the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) evaluation, recommended treatment/education, and pass a return-to-duty test before resuming safety-sensitive functions.

  6. Which symptom is characteristic of alcohol withdrawal and distinguishes it from opioid withdrawal?

    Answer: Seizures and delirium tremens

    Alcohol withdrawal can cause life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens (DTs), features not seen with opioid withdrawal.

  7. A driver's urine drug screen is reported as 'adulterated.' What does this indicate?

    Answer: A substance was added to the specimen to interfere with testing

    An adulterated specimen contains a substance not expected in human urine that was added to interfere with the drug test.