Substance Abuse and De-addiction Nursing # MCQs Practice set

Q.1 Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the reward pathway affected by substance abuse?

Serotonin
Dopamine
GABA
Acetylcholine
Explanation - Dopamine is the key neurotransmitter in the brain's reward system, and most addictive substances increase dopamine levels, leading to reinforcement of drug-taking behavior.
Correct answer is: Dopamine

Q.2 Which of the following is a common physiological symptom of alcohol withdrawal?

Bradycardia
Hypotension
Tremors
Hyperglycemia
Explanation - Tremors are a hallmark symptom of alcohol withdrawal due to hyperactivity of the central nervous system when alcohol is abruptly stopped.
Correct answer is: Tremors

Q.3 Which nursing intervention is most important for a patient undergoing opioid detoxification?

Monitoring vital signs frequently
Encouraging high sugar intake
Promoting prolonged bed rest
Limiting fluid intake
Explanation - Frequent monitoring of vital signs is essential during opioid detoxification to detect withdrawal complications such as tachycardia, hypertension, and dehydration.
Correct answer is: Monitoring vital signs frequently

Q.4 Which drug is commonly used as a maintenance therapy in opioid addiction?

Methadone
Diazepam
Caffeine
Naloxone
Explanation - Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist used to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in patients with opioid dependence.
Correct answer is: Methadone

Q.5 Which of the following is considered a behavioral therapy for substance abuse?

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Insulin therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy
Radiation therapy
Explanation - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps patients recognize triggers, change maladaptive thinking patterns, and develop coping strategies for substance abuse.
Correct answer is: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Q.6 What is the first priority in nursing care for a patient with acute alcohol intoxication?

Ensuring airway patency
Providing psychotherapy
Teaching nutrition
Starting exercise regimen
Explanation - Airway management is critical in acute alcohol intoxication due to the risk of respiratory depression and aspiration.
Correct answer is: Ensuring airway patency

Q.7 Which of the following substances is most associated with physical dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms?

Cannabis
Benzodiazepines
Caffeine
Nicotine
Explanation - Benzodiazepines can cause significant physical dependence, and abrupt discontinuation may lead to seizures and life-threatening withdrawal.
Correct answer is: Benzodiazepines

Q.8 Which scale is commonly used to assess severity of alcohol withdrawal?

CIWA-Ar
Glasgow Coma Scale
APGAR Score
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale
Explanation - The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, revised (CIWA-Ar) helps in assessing and guiding management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Correct answer is: CIWA-Ar

Q.9 Which of the following is an essential part of relapse prevention nursing care?

Identifying triggers
Promoting high sugar intake
Encouraging isolation
Restricting fluids
Explanation - Helping patients recognize triggers and develop coping strategies is crucial to prevent relapse in substance abuse.
Correct answer is: Identifying triggers

Q.10 Which of the following is a common psychological effect of chronic stimulant use?

Depression
Weight gain
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Explanation - Chronic use of stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines often leads to depression during the withdrawal phase due to neurotransmitter depletion.
Correct answer is: Depression

Q.11 Which nursing intervention is appropriate for a patient with nicotine addiction?

Nicotine replacement therapy
High-fat diet
Strict bed rest
Sedative administration
Explanation - Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum) helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings in patients trying to quit smoking.
Correct answer is: Nicotine replacement therapy

Q.12 Which organ is most affected by chronic alcohol consumption?

Liver
Heart
Kidney
Spleen
Explanation - Chronic alcohol intake can lead to liver damage including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Correct answer is: Liver

Q.13 Which of the following is a common sign of opioid overdose?

Miosis (pinpoint pupils)
Hypertension
Hyperactivity
Dilated pupils
Explanation - Opioid overdose typically causes pinpoint pupils, respiratory depression, and CNS depression, requiring immediate intervention.
Correct answer is: Miosis (pinpoint pupils)

Q.14 Which medication is used to reverse opioid overdose in emergency situations?

Naloxone
Methadone
Diazepam
Disulfiram
Explanation - Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that rapidly reverses the life-threatening effects of opioid overdose.
Correct answer is: Naloxone

Q.15 Which nursing intervention helps manage cravings in substance abuse?

Engaging in supportive counseling
Promoting fasting
Restricting social contact
Encouraging alcohol use
Explanation - Supportive counseling helps patients cope with cravings, identify triggers, and maintain abstinence.
Correct answer is: Engaging in supportive counseling

Q.16 Which of the following is an example of a harm reduction strategy in substance abuse?

Needle exchange programs
Mandatory detox
Complete isolation
Forcing abstinence
Explanation - Harm reduction strategies aim to reduce health risks associated with substance abuse without necessarily requiring abstinence.
Correct answer is: Needle exchange programs

Q.17 Which vitamin deficiency is commonly seen in chronic alcoholics?

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Vitamin D
Vitamin C
Vitamin K
Explanation - Chronic alcohol consumption can cause thiamine deficiency, leading to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by neurological symptoms.
Correct answer is: Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Q.18 Which symptom is considered an early sign of benzodiazepine withdrawal?

Anxiety
Weight gain
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Explanation - Anxiety, insomnia, and irritability are early signs of benzodiazepine withdrawal due to CNS hyperactivity.
Correct answer is: Anxiety

Q.19 Which of the following is a safe practice in de-addiction nursing?

Gradual tapering of addictive drugs
Abrupt cessation without supervision
Isolation of patient for weeks
Ignoring withdrawal symptoms
Explanation - Gradual tapering helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Correct answer is: Gradual tapering of addictive drugs

Q.20 Which of the following assessments is essential in a patient admitted for de-addiction?

Comprehensive history of substance use
Only physical examination
Only mental status exam
No assessment is needed
Explanation - A detailed history of substance use, duration, quantity, and previous withdrawal attempts is essential for effective care planning.
Correct answer is: Comprehensive history of substance use

Q.21 Which withdrawal symptom is characteristic of cocaine dependence?

Depression
Miosis
Constipation
Bradycardia
Explanation - Cocaine withdrawal often results in a 'crash' characterized by fatigue, depression, and increased appetite.
Correct answer is: Depression

Q.22 Which medication is used in the management of alcohol dependence to discourage drinking?

Disulfiram
Methadone
Naloxone
Lorazepam
Explanation - Disulfiram causes unpleasant reactions when alcohol is consumed, thereby discouraging drinking in dependent individuals.
Correct answer is: Disulfiram

Q.23 Which nursing strategy supports long-term abstinence after de-addiction?

Follow-up care and counseling
Ignoring patient after discharge
Encouraging occasional substance use
Providing only medications
Explanation - Continuous follow-up, counseling, and support groups help prevent relapse and support recovery.
Correct answer is: Follow-up care and counseling

Q.24 Which of the following is a psychological complication of chronic alcohol use?

Memory impairment
Hair loss
Diabetes
Asthma
Explanation - Chronic alcohol use can damage the brain and cause memory deficits, cognitive impairment, and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
Correct answer is: Memory impairment

Q.25 Which of the following is a common feature of withdrawal from sedative-hypnotics?

Seizures
Hyperpigmentation
Constipation
Excessive salivation
Explanation - Withdrawal from sedative-hypnotics like benzodiazepines can precipitate seizures due to CNS hyperactivity.
Correct answer is: Seizures