CDCA Pharmacology of Substances & Drug Effects

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is most directly associated with the rewarding effects of alcohol and opioids in the brain's reward pathway?

Accepted Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Serotonin

Answer

GABA

Answer

Norepinephrine

Question 2

A client reports feeling euphoric, slowed breathing, and pinpoint pupils after using heroin. These effects are consistent with which drug classification?

Accepted Answer

CNS depressants/opioids

Answer

CNS stimulants

Answer

Hallucinogens

Answer

Cannabis

Question 3

Which of the following is a long-acting opioid agonist used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder that requires daily clinic dispensing initially?

Accepted Answer

Methadone

Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Buprenorphine

Answer

Naloxone

Question 4

What is the primary pharmacological mechanism of alcohol (ethanol) in the brain?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing GABA and inhibiting NMDA glutamate receptors

Answer

Blocking dopamine reuptake

Answer

Stimulating acetylcholine release

Answer

Blocking serotonin receptors

Question 5

A client who abruptly stops using benzodiazepines after prolonged heavy use is at greatest risk for which withdrawal complication?

Accepted Answer

Life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens

Answer

Hypertension and muscle cramps only

Answer

Excessive sleepiness with no serious risk

Answer

Mild anxiety that resolves within 24 hours

Question 6

Methamphetamine primarily produces its effects by:

Accepted Answer

Massively increasing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin release while blocking reuptake

Answer

Activating opioid receptors in the brainstem

Answer

Enhancing GABA inhibition throughout the CNS

Answer

Binding to cannabinoid receptors in the limbic system

Question 7

Naloxone (Narcan) is used in opioid overdose reversal because it acts as a(n):

Accepted Answer

Competitive opioid receptor antagonist

Answer

Opioid agonist that slows breathing

Answer

GABA receptor enhancer

Answer

Dopamine reuptake inhibitor