DRE Project Planning & Execution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When planning a DRE evaluation, which step must be completed BEFORE requesting a Drug Recognition Expert to conduct an examination?
- Administer a field sobriety test battery
- Obtain a blood sample from the subject
- Arrest the subject and rule out alcohol as the sole cause of impairment (Correct answer)
- Complete the toxicology screening at a certified lab
Correct answer: Arrest the subject and rule out alcohol as the sole cause of impairment
The DRE process is initiated only after the subject has been arrested and alcohol has been ruled out as the sole cause of observed impairment.
Question 2: Which document serves as the primary planning and recording tool throughout the execution of a DRE evaluation?
- The arresting officer's incident report
- The DRE Drug Influence Evaluation face sheet and continuation sheet (Correct answer)
- The subject's prior arrest record
- The toxicology laboratory request form
Correct answer: The DRE Drug Influence Evaluation face sheet and continuation sheet
The DRE face sheet and continuation sheet provide a structured format for recording all 12 steps of the evaluation in sequence.
Question 3: During pre-evaluation planning, why should the DRE review the arresting officer's observations before beginning the examination?
- To decide which drug categories to skip
- To establish baseline context and avoid duplicating observations already documented (Correct answer)
- To determine if a blood draw is necessary
- To set the subject's Miranda rights on record
Correct answer: To establish baseline context and avoid duplicating observations already documented
Reviewing the arresting officer's observations provides context and avoids redundancy, helping the DRE focus on clinical signs not yet documented.
Question 4: A DRE is preparing to evaluate a subject in a poorly lit detention facility. What is the most critical planning action before beginning the eye examinations?
- Request a blood draw immediately to save time
- Secure a suitable environment with controlled, adequate lighting (Correct answer)
- Skip the eye exams and proceed to vital signs
- Document the poor lighting and omit the Romberg balance test
Correct answer: Secure a suitable environment with controlled, adequate lighting
Proper lighting is essential for accurate pupillometry and detection of nystagmus; the examination room must be prepared before the eye exam steps begin.
Question 5: In executing the DRE 12-step protocol, what is the correct sequence for the vital signs segment?
- Pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, muscle tone (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, pupil size
- Pulse, body temperature, blood pressure, pupil size
- Body temperature, pulse, blood pressure, nasal examination
Correct answer: Pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, muscle tone
IACP protocol specifies pulse rate, blood pressure, and body temperature as the vital signs cluster, assessed in that general order during Step 7.
Question 6: When executing a DRE evaluation and the subject refuses to perform divided attention tests, what is the recommended course of action?
- Terminate the evaluation and release the subject
- Document the refusal and continue with the remaining steps that can be completed (Correct answer)
- Immediately obtain a court order to compel participation
- Skip to the toxicological examination only
Correct answer: Document the refusal and continue with the remaining steps that can be completed
A refusal to participate in specific tests is itself significant evidence; the DRE documents refusals and completes all steps the subject will allow.
Question 7: Which planning consideration is most important when scheduling a DRE evaluation for a subject suspected of CNS depressant impairment?
- Ensuring a polygraph examiner is available
- Timing the evaluation before the drug's effects dissipate significantly (Correct answer)
- Waiting 8 hours to allow the drug to metabolize for cleaner samples
- Scheduling during daylight hours only
Correct answer: Timing the evaluation before the drug's effects dissipate significantly
CNS depressant effects diminish over time, so prompt evaluation preserves the observable clinical signs most relevant to the DRE's opinion.
DRE Project Planning & Execution 2
When planning a DRE evaluation, which step must be completed BEFORE requesting a Drug Recognition Expert to conduct an examination?