Drug Categories & Effects Flashcards

Which drug category is characterized by pupil dilation, elevated pulse rate, and elevated blood pressure but a normal body temperature?

Answer: Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens typically cause dilated pupils, elevated pulse, and elevated blood pressure while body temperature remains near normal.

A DRE observes a subject with droopy eyelids, slow and slurred speech, and a pulse rate of 52 bpm. Which drug category best fits this profile?

Answer: CNS Depressants

CNS Depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, etc.) cause sedation, droopy eyelids, slurred speech, and decreased pulse rate.

PCP (phencyclidine) belongs to which of the seven DRE drug categories?

Answer: Dissociative Anesthetics

PCP is the prototypical Dissociative Anesthetic, producing analgesia, disorientation, and characteristic nystagmus on all gaze planes.

Which drug category most commonly produces a distinctive odor on the subject's breath or clothing detectable during a DRE evaluation?

Answer: Inhalants

Inhalants (solvents, aerosols, nitrous oxide) leave a chemical odor on the breath and clothing that is a key indicator during evaluation.

A subject exhibits muscle rigidity, elevated body temperature of 103°F, and profuse sweating. Which drug category should the DRE most strongly consider?

Answer: CNS Stimulants

CNS Stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine) frequently cause hyperthermia, diaphoresis, and increased muscle tension.

Which of the following vital-sign findings would most strongly suggest Narcotic Analgesic influence rather than CNS Depressant influence?

Answer: Constricted (miotic) pupils

Markedly constricted (pinpoint) pupils are a hallmark of opioid/narcotic analgesic use and help distinguish this category from CNS Depressants.

Ketamine is best classified under which DRE drug category?

Answer: Dissociative Anesthetics

Ketamine, like PCP, is a Dissociative Anesthetic that produces analgesia, amnesia, and a dissociative state.