1.
The dorsal horn is responsible for the transmission of signals, due to noxious stimuli, from peripheral nerve to the thalamus via the descending pain pathway.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Pain from nerves to thalamus via the dorsal horn follows the ascending pain pathway, while the descending (from brain to dorsal horn) signals modulate activity to control pain transmission.
2.
Which of the following statements about types of chronic pain is FALSE?
Correct Answer
A. Chronic back pain is observe only in the case of morpHologic changes
Explanation
Chronic back pain may be present without morphologic changes
3.
Tricyclic Antidepressants have not shown significant efficacy in controlling chronic back pain.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
While pain control may not be supported by evidence, it may be trialed in (appropriate) patients and may be used to treat Depression
4.
Which of the following statements about gabapentin (Neurontin) are FALSE?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above are True
Explanation
The given answer states that all of the statements about gabapentin (Neurontin) are true. This means that all of the following statements are true: common adverse effects of gabapentin are dizziness and somnolence, the onset of action for gabapentin is 2-3 weeks, a trial of gabapentin requires 3-8 weeks, gabapentin requires renal adjustment, and the titration schedule for gabapentin is 300mg at bedtime on day 1, 300mg twice a day on day 2, and 300mg three times a day on day 3.
5.
Which of the following statements about pregabalin (Lyrica) are FALSE?
Correct Answer
D. Starting dose - 500mg/day; Titration-Within 1 week
Explanation
Starting dose = - 75 mg BiD (I try to avoid dosing questions, but should have an idea within 10X the appropriate doses)
6.
Proper administration of the lidocaine patch include applying a 5% patch daily, which can be cut to fit the site of administration
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Proper administration (or the notes say) q12 hours. Patch can be cut to fit the site
7.
It may take up to 1 month to see a noticeable effect of treatment with capsaicin
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Capsaicin is a compound found in chili peppers that is commonly used in topical creams for pain relief. When applied to the skin, capsaicin can help alleviate pain by reducing the levels of substance P, a chemical that transmits pain signals to the brain. However, it can take some time for the effects of capsaicin to become noticeable. This is because capsaicin needs to build up in the body over time in order to have a significant impact on pain perception. Therefore, it is true that it may take up to 1 month to see a noticeable effect of treatment with capsaicin.
8.
Of the opioid receptors (mu, kappa, delta), the pharmacologic side effect of constipation based on action on the delta receptor.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Pharmacology side effects of constipation is a result of action on the mu (like your mother said, Trebek! http://i.imgur.com/31vllYu.png) receptor.
9.
Which of the following statements regarding morphine is FALSE?
Correct Answer
A. Cannot be used in patients with hepatic dysfunction
Explanation
In hepatic dysfunction, dose can be reduced/extended
10.
Which of the following statements regarding oxycodone is TRUE?
Correct Answer
B. Less histamine release than morpHine at initiation
Explanation
Don’t crush, break, or chew CR formulation
Renal dysfunction = 33-50% reduction in initial dose
Dose can be increased every 1-2 days, max = as tolerated
11.
Oxymorphone should be taken within 30 mins. after a meal (>500cal)
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
take on an empty stomach
12.
Which of the following statements regarding tramadol is FALSE?
Correct Answer
D. Titrate up as tolerated
Explanation
Max dose = 400 mg/day
13.
Tapentadol is a Schedule II medication because it has a higher abuse potential than tramadol
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Tapentadol is classified as a Schedule II medication because it has a higher abuse potential than tramadol. Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, which may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Tapentadol is a centrally acting opioid analgesic that works by binding to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, providing pain relief. However, it also has a higher risk of misuse, addiction, and overdose compared to tramadol, which is classified as a Schedule IV medication. Therefore, the statement is true.
14.
Choice of opioid for control of pain is dependent on patient preference, compliance, and superior opioid efficacy
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
No single agent is superior in efficacy. Patient preference and compliance are very important.
15.
Which of the following statements about opioid treatment principles is FALSE?
Correct Answer
D. Discontinuation: Daily dose taper 10% each week as tolerated (withdrawal)
Explanation
Taper can be 25-50% reduction of daily dose per week
16.
Opioid Withdrawal should be treated immediately due to increased risk of severe problems such as seizure, mortality, or death.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Opiate withdrawal is not associated with mortality, seizures, coma, or death
17.
While Mu opioid receptors are responsible for the common side effects of opiates, Kappa receptors are responsible for the euphoric effects of opioid abuse.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Mu = ADE and euphoric effects
18.
Which of the following statements about clonidine is FALSE?
Correct Answer
A. FDA approved for treatment of opioid withdrawal
Explanation
Is not FDA approved for opioid withdrawal
19.
Which of the following statements about buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) is FALSE?
Correct Answer
D. Dosing of Suboxone is based on most recent opioid dose
Explanation
Dosed as needed based on COWS assessment
20.
Subutex (buprenorphine) is not prefered over Suboxone for opiate maintenance expect in pregnant patients
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Subutex (buprenorphine) is not preferred over Suboxone for opiate maintenance, except in pregnant patients. This is because Suboxone contains buprenorphine along with naloxone, whereas Subutex only contains buprenorphine. Naloxone is added to Suboxone to deter misuse and reduce the risk of overdose. Therefore, Suboxone is generally the preferred option for opiate maintenance treatment, except in cases where the patient is pregnant, as the use of naloxone during pregnancy may not be recommended.
21.
Patient must be in withdrawal before administration of first dose of Suboxone.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The combination of buprenorphine (partial) and naloxone (full) mu antagonist would cause withdrawal in patient that was not in withdrawal. Suboxone is meant to give relief from withdrawal, not cause it
22.
Which of the follow statements about methadone is FALSE?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above are True
Explanation
Methadone is a medication that is used for both the treatment of opiate withdrawal and opiate maintenance treatment. It acts as a full mu receptor agonist and weak NMDA antagonist. It is important to monitor patients taking methadone for QT prolongation via EKG. Dose tapering of methadone depends on the opiate of abuse from which the patient is withdrawing. Therefore, all of the above statements about methadone are true.
23.
Detoxification with methadone may only be performed in a licensed, designated facility except in the case of: Inpatient setting - Can administer methadone for withdrawal if patient scores “severe” on COWS.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Methadone can be administered in an inpatient setting only if patient was admitted for something other than opiate addiction/withdrawal
24.
Detoxification with methadone may only be performed in a licensed, designated facility except in the case of: Outpatient setting - Physician can prescribe 72 hour of methadone to treat a patient’s opioid withdrawal
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Detoxification with methadone is typically only allowed in licensed facilities, but there is an exception for outpatient settings. In these cases, a physician can prescribe up to 72 hours of methadone to treat a patient's opioid withdrawal. Therefore, the statement is true.
25.
The standard for opiate withdrawal in pregnant patients is maintenance treatment with methadone, though buprenorphine shows potential benefit with further studies
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because methadone is the standard treatment for opiate withdrawal in pregnant patients. However, further studies have shown that buprenorphine also has potential benefits in this population.
26.
Which of the following tools is used to assess the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Correct Answer
A. CIWA-Ar
Explanation
The CIWA-Ar (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised) is a tool used to assess the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is a standardized assessment tool that helps healthcare professionals evaluate and monitor the symptoms experienced by individuals going through alcohol withdrawal. The CIWA-Ar includes a list of 10 common withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, tremors, and anxiety, and assigns a score to each symptom based on its severity. This tool helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment and level of care needed for individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
27.
Which of the following statements about the PK and PD of alcohol is FALSE?
Correct Answer
A. Acute toxicity stems from down regulation of alcohol dehydrogenase
Explanation
Acute toxicity of alcohol does not stem from down regulation of alcohol dehydrogenase. Acute toxicity is primarily caused by the depressant effects of alcohol on the central nervous system, leading to impaired coordination, respiratory depression, and potentially fatal alcohol poisoning. Alcohol dehydrogenase is an enzyme responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the liver, and down regulation of this enzyme can occur with chronic alcohol consumption, leading to increased alcohol tolerance.
28.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause death, therefore monitoring/treatment of most severe mortality is greatest within 24 hours of last drink
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The onset of alcohol withdrawal delirium (including delirium tremens) comes 48 to 72 hours after the last drink (Note- This is a differentiating factor from benzo withdrawal)
29.
Which of the following statements regarding alcohol withdrawal treatment is TRUE?
Correct Answer
C. Symptom-triggered treatment with benzodiazepines shows less time on BZD and shorter length of stay (than fixed dose treatment), but requires more monitoring
Explanation
Longer acting BZD create smoother withdrawal course
Liver impairment is not an absolute contraindication in all BZD
Chlordiazepoxide and Diazepam are limited to PO use
30.
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium is treated with phenobarbital in addition to BZD
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when a person abruptly stops drinking alcohol after a prolonged period of heavy consumption. The symptoms of delirium tremens include confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and severe agitation. Treatment typically involves the use of benzodiazepines (BZD) to manage symptoms and prevent complications. However, in some cases, the addition of phenobarbital, a long-acting sedative, may be necessary to effectively control symptoms and ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. Therefore, the statement that Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium is treated with phenobarbital in addition to BZD is true.
31.
Which of the following statements about Wernicke’s Encephalopathy (WE) is False?
Correct Answer
D. While there are no specific guidelines, IV therapy as a 2000mg continuous infusion (over 60mins) is preferred
Explanation
IV is preferred, short course = 500 mg IV/IM tid x 3 days; then 500 mg IV/IM daily x 5 days; then oral therapy if symptoms have improved
32.
Treatment of withdrawal from sedatives/hypnotics differs from alcohol withdrawal in that it based on CIWA-Ar score.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Treatment of sedatives/hypnotics is based on agent of abuse (also, alcohol has delayed delirium 48-72 hours, sed/hyp may be more immediate)
33.
Which of the following statements about duloxetine (Cymbalta) are FALSE?
Correct Answer
B. Requires renally adjusted dose if CrCl < 30mL/min
Explanation
Not recommended for use in patient with CrCl