Pharmacology in Addictions Nursing Flashcards
7 cards from real CARN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacology in Addictions Nursing flashcards as text
A patient receiving extended-release naltrexone (Vivitrol) injection reports that heroin had no effect when used. This best demonstrates which pharmacological property?
Answer: Sustained opioid receptor blockade preventing euphoria
Extended-release naltrexone provides continuous opioid receptor blockade for approximately 30 days, preventing opioids from producing euphoria.
During alcohol withdrawal, lorazepam is often preferred over diazepam in patients with severe liver disease. Why?
Answer: Lorazepam undergoes direct glucuronidation and does not rely on oxidative hepatic metabolism
Lorazepam is metabolized via direct glucuronidation, bypassing CYP450 enzymes compromised in liver disease, preventing toxic accumulation.
Which opioid withdrawal medication works by stimulating alpha-2 adrenergic receptors to reduce autonomic symptoms like diaphoresis and tachycardia?
Answer: Clonidine
Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that reduces noradrenergic hyperactivity in the locus coeruleus, relieving autonomic opioid withdrawal symptoms.
A patient on buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone) attempts to inject the crushed film. What is the expected outcome?
Answer: Precipitated withdrawal from naloxone's systemic effects when injected
When injected, naloxone achieves systemic bioavailability and antagonizes opioid receptors, precipitating acute withdrawal — the intended abuse-deterrent mechanism.
Which CARN-relevant pharmacological concept explains why tolerance develops more quickly to opioid euphoria than to opioid-induced constipation?
Answer: Gastrointestinal receptors do not undergo downregulation as rapidly as CNS receptors
Enteric nervous system mu-opioid receptors downregulate slowly compared to CNS reward receptors, so constipation persists while euphoria diminishes with chronic use.
A patient prescribed buprenorphine reports it is not controlling cravings adequately. The nurse should first assess:
Answer: Sublingual absorption technique, dose timing, and concurrent substance use
Inadequate buprenorphine effect is often due to poor sublingual technique, incorrect timing, or concurrent opioid use rather than immediately requiring dose escalation or medication change.
Which FDA-approved medication for opioid use disorder is available only through federally certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs) for daily observed dosing?
Answer: Methadone liquid formulation for OUD
Methadone for OUD treatment is restricted to federally certified OTPs where it is dispensed as a liquid for daily observed dosing due to its high overdose risk.