DRE Evaluation Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct order for administering the three divided attention field sobriety tests in a DRE evaluation?
- Romberg, Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg-Stand (Correct answer)
- Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg-Stand, Romberg
- One-Leg-Stand, Romberg, Walk-and-Turn
- Romberg, One-Leg-Stand, Walk-and-Turn
Correct answer: Romberg, Walk-and-Turn, One-Leg-Stand
The standard DRE protocol administers divided attention psychophysical tests in the sequence: Romberg balance, Walk-and-Turn, then One-Leg-Stand.
Question 2: During the HGN test, the DRE observes that the subject's eyes cannot follow a stimulus smoothly. This lack of smooth pursuit is indicative of:
- Inattention to the stimulus
- Nystagmus caused by CNS depressant or dissociative anesthetic use (Correct answer)
- Normal baseline eye movement
- Cannabis-only impairment
Correct answer: Nystagmus caused by CNS depressant or dissociative anesthetic use
Lack of smooth pursuit occurs when the eyes jerk or bounce rather than tracking smoothly, commonly caused by CNS depressants and dissociative anesthetics.
Question 3: A DRE subject demonstrates elevated pulse rate, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils. These signs are MOST consistent with which drug category?
- Narcotic analgesics
- CNS depressants
- CNS stimulants (Correct answer)
- Inhalants
Correct answer: CNS stimulants
CNS stimulants typically cause elevated pulse, elevated blood pressure, and dilated pupils due to sympathetic nervous system activation.
Question 4: When assessing muscle tone during the DRE evaluation, the examiner flexes and extends the subject's arm at the elbow. What does 'lead-pipe rigidity' suggest?
- CNS depressant or alcohol impairment
- Dissociative anesthetic or stimulant influence (Correct answer)
- Normal muscle tone
- Cannabis-only influence
Correct answer: Dissociative anesthetic or stimulant influence
Lead-pipe or cogwheel rigidity in muscle tone is commonly associated with phencyclidine (PCP) and other dissociative anesthetics or stimulants.
Question 5: Which of the following represents an acceptable reason to terminate a DRE evaluation before completion?
- The subject refuses to answer questions about drug use
- The subject shows signs of a medical emergency (Correct answer)
- The subject scores below the threshold on the walk-and-turn
- The DRE suspects only alcohol involvement
Correct answer: The subject shows signs of a medical emergency
A DRE evaluation must be terminated and medical attention sought if the subject shows signs or symptoms of a medical emergency.
Question 6: During Step 6 of the DRE protocol (eye examinations), which eye condition is assessed by moving the stimulus to a 45-degree angle and holding it for four seconds?
- Vertical gaze nystagmus
- Lack of smooth pursuit
- Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees
- Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation is checked by holding the stimulus at a 45-degree lateral position for at least four seconds.
Question 7: The DRE Drug Influence Evaluation matrix is used to:
- Confirm blood alcohol concentration results
- Compare observed signs and symptoms to typical drug category indicators (Correct answer)
- Determine which charge to file against a suspect
- Replace the need for a toxicological blood test
Correct answer: Compare observed signs and symptoms to typical drug category indicators
The DRE matrix organizes signs and symptoms across the seven drug categories to help the examiner form an opinion about which drug(s) are affecting the subject.
DRE Evaluation Procedures 3
What is the correct order for administering the three divided attention field sobriety tests in a DRE evaluation?