ASIPP Controlled Substance Management Questions Flashcards
- A 25-year-old male receiving hydrocodone and diazepam
presents with disorientation. He states that he had
nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea since he
took “too many pain pills”. During this time he becomes
extremely lethargic, with slow respirations. No other
history is available. Your immediate action, in addition to
O2 administration is to administer:
A. Naloxone
B. Diphenoxylate
C. N-acetyl-L-cysteine
D. Prochlorperazine
E. Flumazenil
- Answer: A
Explanation:
CNS depression is hallmark of overdosage with opioids
or benzodiazepines.
Respiratory depression is seen with opioids.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are
early signs of the severe liver toxicity caused
by high levels of acetaminophen. Other symptoms of
acetaminophen toxicity include dizziness,
excitement, and disorientation.
A. Naloxone is antagonist of opioids. Symptoms indicate
opioid overdose.
B. Diphenoxylate is an antidiarrheal agent
C. N-acetyl-L-cysteine is the appropriate treatment for
acetaminophen overdose.
D. Prochlorperazine is to treat the nausea and vomiting
caused by radiation therapy, cancer chemotherapy, surgery,
and other conditions
E. Flumazenil is a competitive benzodiazepine receptor
antagonist.
Source: Stern - 2004
2475.Once an opioid treatment is selected, titration upwards
should continue until:
A. A ceiling is reached.
B. Addiction occurs
C. Tolerance occurs
D. A balance between analgesia and side effects is reached.
E. Respiratory depression occurs
- Answer: D
Explanation:
There is no ceiling for opioids (other than the limitations
of agonist/antagonists or APAP). The goal is to prevent
addiction. Tolerance is less likely with long acting opioids.
Respiratory depression is unlikely with stable doses of
opioids. The goal is a balance between pain relief and
intolerable side effects.
Source: Trescot AM, Board Review 2004
2476.
- Answer: D
Explanation:
A. Naltrexone is an antagonist therapy for heroin
addiction
B. Physostigmine is used to treat glaucoma
C. Pralidoxime is used together with another medicine
called atropine to treat poisoning caused by organic
phosphorus pesticides
D. Flumazenil is a competitive antagonist of
benzodiazepines at the GABA receptor.
Repeated administration is necessary because of its
short half-life relative to that of most
benzodiazepines.
E. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist.
2477.A patient on methadone 90 mg daily, stable, with good
relief now presents with a kidney stone. For the present
problem :
A. Continue at 90 mg of methadone daily
B. Stop methadone
C. Continue 90 mg of methadone, but add higher than
normal doses of hydrocodone
D. Continue 90 mg of methadone and add lower doses of
hydrocodone
E. Continue 90 mg of methadone and add usual doses of
hydrocodone
- Answer: E
Source: Laxmaiah Manchikanti, MD
2478.A 29-year-old male uses secobarbital to satisfy his
addiction to barbiturates. During the past week, he is
imprisoned and is not able to obtain the drug. He is
brought to the prison medical ward because of the onset
of severe anxiety, increased sensitivity to light, dizziness,
and generalized tremors. On physical examination, he is
hyperrefl exic. Which of the following agents should he be
given to diminish his withdrawal symptoms?
A. Buspirone
B. Chloral hydrate
C. Chlorpromazine
D. Diazepam
E. Trazodone
- Answer: D
Explanation:
Reference: Hardman, p 564.
A. The anxiolytic effects of buspirone take several days to
develop, obviating its use for acute severe anxiety.
B. Chloral hydrate a sedative, is used in the short-term
treatment of insomnia .
C. Chlorpromazine is used to treat psychotic disorders
and symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and
hostility
D. A long-acting benzodiazepine, such as diazepam, is
effective in blocking the secobarbital withdrawal
symptoms.
E. Trazodone is an anti-depressant
Source: Stern - 2004
2479.Which of the following statements regarding controlled
substances prescriptions is FALSE?
A. A controlled substances prescription must be dated as
of and signed on the day it is issued.
B. A controlled substances prescription must contain the full name and address of the patient.
C. A physician who has given his or her staff at least
eight hours of training on the federal laws and
regulations concerning controlled substances prescriptions
has no liability for a controlled substance
prescription completed by a staff member that does not
comply with the federal requirements.
D. A controlled substances prescription must contain the
name of the drug, the strength of the drug, the dosage
form of the drug, quantity of drugs prescribed, and directions
for use.
E. A prescription for a Schedule III, IV, or V drug given
for the purpose of detoxifi cation or maintenance treatment
must include the unique identifi cation number
issued by the Administrator of DEA in addition to the
physician’s DEA number.
- Answer: C
Explanation:
Answer (c) is wrong because, under 21 CFR 1306.05, the
physician is responsible if the prescription does not
conform to applicable laws and regulations.
Reference: 21 CFR 1306.05.
Source: Erin Brisbay McMahon, JD, Sep 2005
2480.A 16-year old patient has terminal cancer and has failed
all treatment. Pain is worsening and he requires higher
doses of opioid analgesics for pain relief. He inquires as
to whether a research program may or may not help. One
of the side effects with the new treatment is worsening of
peripheral neuropathy. At this point, he refuses further
treatment. His parents want you to talk to him and enroll
him in the experimental protocol. Which of the following
is your next course of action?
A. Inform the patient that he can not refuse treatment
B. Begin treatment if the parents provide written consent
C. Respect the patient’s wishes and cancel plans for treatment
D. Avoid further escalation in opioid doses.
E. Discuss the issues with the patient
- Answer: E
Explanation:
The next course of action is to explore the issues with the
patient.
2481.Addiction is defi ned as:
A. Physical dependence and the need to increase the drug to
obtain the same effect.
B. A patient who needs the drug and has good control over
personal behavior.
C. Psychological dependence on the use of controlled substances
for their psychic effects and is characterized by
compulsive use.
D. Slow but progressive deterioration of health in light of
drug use.
E. Loss of effectiveness of the drug to control pain.
- Answer: C
Explanation:
Addiction is a chaotic disturbance in physical and
psychological control factors that involve impulse control,
and often evolves to a patient utilizing the drug to their
detriment, inducing physical harm, and personal disregard
of danger. There is a signifi cant loss of personal control,
and the patient seeks the drug, sometimes at all costs.
Addiction does not necessarily mean a non-functional
individual. We see some levels of addiction, even with our
very straightforward pain control patients, i.e. tobacco use.
Functional alcoholics perform in some segments of
society, and it is not uncommon to be introduced to a
patient with an iatrogenic addiction to a controlled
substance such as benzodiazepine (Xanax?), opioid,
Oxycontin?. It is also not unusual to hear that some of
these patients are very highly respected members of
society, kind and caring, and have had personality changes
that are not appreciated by the individual. This is where
professional and family intervention is necessary.
Source: Hans C. Hansen, MD
2482.According to the 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and
Health (NSDUH), 6.3 million persons age 12 or older
used prescription medications for non-medical reasons.
Which of the following is the most prevalent agent for
non-medical reasons?
A. Pain reliever
B. Tranquilizers
C. Stimulant
D. Sedatives
E. NSAIDs
- Answer: A
Source: Hans C. Hansen, MD
2483.Fluoxetine (Prozac®) is classifi ed as:
A. As an MAO inhibitor (MAOI)
B. As a tricyclic nonselective amine reuptake inhibitor
C. As a heterocyclic nonselective amine reuptake inhibitor
D. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
E. As an alpha2-adrenergic receptor inhibitor
- Answer: D
Explanation:
Fluoxetine is a highly selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) acting on the 5-HT transporter. It forms
an active metabolite that is effective for several days.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are inhibitors of
cytochrome P450 isoenzymes, which is the basis of
potential drug interactions
- Tolerance is:
A. A need to increase drug dosage to obtain the same effect.
B. A rapid immunity to opioids, secondary to cross-reactive
antibodies.
C. The concept of understanding that a drug is necessary,
except in the community.
D. A patient’s ability to take the drug.
E. The physician’s willingness and acceptance to prescribe
the drug.
- Answer: A
Explanation:
Tolerance is the concept of the need to increase dosage of
drug to produce the same level of analgesic capacity that
previously existed. Tolerance may occur at a constant
dose, and tolerance should not be considered within the
defi ned purview of addiction.
Source: Hans C. Hansen, MD
2485.All of the following are true statements regarding
ketamine EXCEPT:
A. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic
B. Dissociative anesthesia induced by ketamine emphasizes
that the anesthetized patient is “disconnected”- from
his or her environment
C. Ketamine is one of the most commonly abused drugs
D. Ketamine has been placed in Schedule I of the Federal
Controlled Substances Act.
E. Ketamine induces coma in a dose-dependent manner
- Answer: D
Explanation:
A. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic
B. Dissociative anesthesia induced by ketamine
emphasizes that the anesthetized patient is “disconnected”-
from his or her environment
C. Persons who abuse ketamine may use a variety of
routes of administration, and general anesthesia obviously
is not the object of their use. It is the low-dose mental
state that ketamine induces is considered as reinforcing by
substance abusers.
D. Ketamine is a Schedule III drug
E. Ketamine induces coma in a dose-dependent manner.
A minimum of 0.5 mg/kg intravenous is necessary to
induce coma for approximately 1.5 minutes.
A dose of 1 mg/kg induces coma for approximately
5.8 minutes, whereas a dose of 2 mg/kg
induces coma for approximately 10 minutes.
2486.The W.H.O. cancer pain relief ladder is:
A. Poorly validated with anecdotal reports of effectiveness.
B. Emphasizes non-opioid treatment through the fi rst three
steps.
C. Is inappropriate to utilize on a terminally ill patient.
D. Is a simple and effective tool to afford relief with a high
level of confi dence, in an overwhelming majority of
patients.
E. Suggests alternative therapy management in the early
stages.
- Answer: D
Explanation:
The W.H.O. ladder emphasizes Step One: Non-Opioid,
Step Two: Opioid for Mild to Moderate Pain, and Step
Three: Opioids for Moderate to Severe Pain. The ladder is
just that. It increases potency and adjunctive medication
to treat pain, and is highly effective, well-validated,
suggesting 90% of cancer patients receiving relief. 75% of
terminally ill patients also report relief.
Source: Hans C. Hansen, MD
2487.Among the following neuroleptics, the most likely
neuroleptic associated with skeletal muscle rigidity,
tremor at rest, fl at facies, uncontrollable restlessness, and
spastic torticollis is
A. Clozapine
B. Haloperidol
C. Olanzapine
D. Sertindole
E. Ziprasidone
- Answer: B
Explanation:
Reference: Katzung, p 482.
Haloperidol, a butyrophenone is by far the most likely
antipsychotic to produce extrapyramidal toxicities.
Other agents, such as piperazine (an aromatic
phenothiazine), thiothixene ( a thioxanthene), and
pimozide ( a diphenylbutyropiperidine) are comparatively
less likely to produce extrapyramidal toxicity than
haloperidol.
The antagonism of dopamine in the nigrostriatal system
might explain the Parkinson-like effects.
Both haloperidol and pimozide act mainly on D2
receptors, whereas thioridazine and piperazine act on
alpha-adrenergic receptors, and have a less potent but
defi nite effect on D2 receptors.
Source: Stern - 2004
2488.Among the following neuroleptics, the agent most likely associated with constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and dry mouth is: A. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine®) B. Clozapine (Clozaril®) C. Olanzapine (Zyprexa®) D. Sertindole (Serdolect®) E. Haloperidol (Haldol®)
- Answer: A
Explanation:
Reference: Katzung, pp 471, 473, 482.
The phenothiazines as a class are the most potent
anticholinergics of the neuroleptics.
Tolerance to their anticholinergic effects occur in most
patients.
Cholinomimetic agents may be used to overcome
symptoms that persist.
Source: Stern - 2004
2489.Drug interactions common to cyclobenzaprine
(Flexeril®) include all of the following except :
A. MAOI agents
B. Barbiturates
C. Tertiary tricyclic antidepressants
D. Zolpidem (Ambien®)
E. Alcohol
- Answer: D
Source: Hansen HC, Board Review 2004
- Gabapentin (Neurontin®) exerts its analgesic affect by:
A. Inhibition of reuptake Serotonin and Norepinephrine
B. Central modulation of the dorsal lateral funiculus at the
dorsal horn intermediary.
C. GABA-A affi nity and activation.
D. The analgesic effect is unknown.
E. NMDA modulation.
- Answer: D
Source: Hansen HC, Board Review 2004
2491.A 36-year-old male with a bipolar disorder is treated
with lithium. Among the following adverse effects, the
side effect attributed to lithium treatment is:
A. Browning of the vision
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Agranulocytosis
D. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
E. Pseudodepression
- Answer: B
Explanation:
Reference: Katzung, pp 493-494.
A decrease in thyroid function occurs in most patients on
lithium. This effect is usually reversible or not
progressive, but a few patients develop symptoms of
hypothyroidism.
A serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
concentration is recommended every 6 to 12 months.
“Browning” of vision, clinically described as pigmentary
retinopathy, occurs with thioridazine. This is due to retinal
deposition of the drug.
Although neurologic adverse effects (e.g., tremor,
choreoathetosis, motor hyperactivity, ataxia, dysarthria,
and aphasia) can occur with lithium, it does not cause the
neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with antipsychotic
agents. Pseudodepression sometimes occurs in patients on antipsychotics.
This may be related to drug-induced akinesia.
Source: Stern - 2004
2492.N-acetyl benzoquinoneimine is the hepatotoxic metabolite of which drug? A. Sulindac B. Acetaminophen C. Isoniazid D. Indomethacin E. Procainamide
- Answer: B
Explanation:
Reference: Hardman, pp 632-633.
Hepatic necrosis can occur with overdosage of
acetaminophen. The hepatic toxicity is the result of the
biotransformation of acetaminophen to Nacetylbenzoquinoneimine,
which reacts with hepatic
proteins and glutathione. This metabolite depletes
glutathione, stores and produces necrosis. The
administration of N-acetyl-L-cysteine restores hepatic
concentrations of glutathione and reduces the potential
hepatotoxicity. Sulindac is biotransformed to sulindac
sulfi de, the active form of the drug. Both sulindac and its
metabolites are excreted in the urine and in the feces.
Indomethacin undergoes a demethylation reaction and an
N-deacylation reaction. The parent compound and its
metabolites are mainly excerted in the urine. Procainamide
is converted to an active metabolite by an acetylation
reaction. The product that is formed is Nacetylprocainamide
(NAPA). In addition, procainamide is
hydrolyzed by amidases. An N-acetylation reaction occurs
also in the biotransformation of isoniazid. In the liver, the
enzyme N-acetyltransferase converts isoniazid to
acetylisoniazid.
Source: Stern - 2004
2493.The mechanism of action of most benzodiazepines is
by :
A. Activation of GABA receptors
B. Antagonism of glycine receptors in the spinal cord
C. Blockade of the action of glutamic acid
D. Increased GABA-mediated chloride ion conductance
E. Inhibition of GABA aminotransferase
- Answer: D
2494. A drug that is used in the treatment of parkinsonism and will also attenuate reversible extrapyramidal side effects of neuroleptic is A. Amantadine (Symmetrel®) B. Levodopa (Dopar®) C. Pergolide (Permax®) D. Selegiline (Eldepryl®) E. Trihexyphenidyl (Artane®)
- Answer: E
2495.Meprobamate is the active metabolite of which skeletal muscle relaxant? A. Carisoprodol (soma®) B. Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®) C. Methocarbamol (Robaxin®) D. Valdecoxib (Bextra®) E. Baclofen®
- Answer: A
Source: Jackson KC. Board Review 2003
2496.The following statements are true regarding opioidinduced
constipation.
A. Treat constipation
B. To obtain a surgical consult to rule out complications
C. To evaluate for drug abuse
D. Start on transdermal fentanyl
E. Start on methadone maintenance program
- Answer: A
Explanation:
A. Constipation is the most frequent side effect of opioid
therapy.
Tolerance does not develop to this side effect.
Therefore, as the dose of opioid increases, so does
the potential for constipation.
Frank bowel obstruction, biliary spasm, and ileus have
occurred with opioid use.
It is crucial to place patients on an active bowel regimen
that includes laxatives, stool softeners,
adequate fl uids and exercise, and cathartics as needed to
prevent the severe constipation that
can occur with opioid use.
B. Surgical complications are unlikely.
C. Constipation is not a symptom of drug abuse.
D. Transdermal fentanyl may be an option if morphine
titration fails. Constipation is similar.
E. Methadone maintenance is not indicated
Source: Manchikanti L, Board Review 2005
2497.What document refl ects the practitioner’s explanation
and the patient’s understanding of the risks, benefi ts,
alternative treatments, and special issues concerning the
use of controlled substances?
A. Narcotic contract
B. History and Physical Evaluation form
C. Pain scale evaluation and update report
D. Informed consent form
E. The approval letter from the patient’s health care benefi t
plan
- Answer: D
Explanation:
Reference: The Federation of State Medical Boards’ Model
Policy for the Use of Controlled Substances for the
Treatment of Pain, (May 2004); Bolen, J Pain Medicine
News (Informed Consent).
Explanation:
A. This is not the best answer. A narcotic contract
(typically called a Controlled Substances Treatment
Agreement) usually contains boundaries for use with high
risk patients. Most often, boundary language includes the
use of urine screens, one physician and one pharmacy for
obtaining controlled substances, a specifi c term for
periodic review, and a discussion of the consequences
should the patient fail to abide by the agreement.
B. This is not the best answer. A History and Physical
Evaluation form is not used to explain the risks and
benefi ts of using controlled substances to treat pain.
Rather, the H&P form is designed to gather information
about the patient’s medical history and treatment past, so
the provider can decide on a course of treatment. Once the
provider and the patient agree upon a treatment plan, the
provider should engage in informed consent with the
patient.
C. This is not the best answer. A pain scale and periodic
evaluation form are used to follow the patient after
treatment begins.
D. This is the best answer. An Informed Consent form is
different from a Narcotic Contract or Treatment
Agreement, because it helps the practitioner establish the
proper interaction between him/her and the patient
concerning the risks, benefi ts, treatment alternatives, and
special issues regarding the use of controlled substances to
treat pain. When a practitioner uses an Informed Consent,
he/she is minimizing legal exposure for negligence
associated with the use of controlled substances to treat
pain. Of course, it is up to the practitioner to follow
accepted current clinical care standards, which include a
proper informed consent process.
E. This is not the best answer. Rarely, if ever, does a letter
from the patient’s health care benefi t plan contain
language relating to informed consent.
Source: Jennifer Bolen, JD, Sep 2005