Medical Tests Medical Tests Certifications CEN Questions & Answers

• Question 1:

  You are caring for a patient who complains of sexual dysfunction. The patient was admitted for alcohol dependence. What education should you provide this patient on sexual dysfunction and alcohol abuse?

  A. Alcohol abuse increases desire and performance ability.

  B. Alcohol abuse leads to headaches and too-tired syndrome.

  C. Alcohol abuse leads to hyperarousal and premature ejaculation.

  D. Alcohol abuse decreases desire and ability to perform.

  Correct Answer: D

  Alcohol abuse leads to decreased desire for sex and decreased ability to perform. The most common forms of sexual dysfunction with alcohol abuse are decreased pleasure, decreased ability to perform, decreased sexual arousal and anxiety about performance.

• Question 2:

  Your patient stopped drinking abruptly and now complains of feeling wired and being on pins and needles. What should your next intervention be?

  A. Monitor the patient for other symptoms.

  B. Determine the time of last drink, and assess the patient for other signs and symptoms of withdrawal.

  C. Assess the patient for all current substance use patterns, including time of last usage and withdrawal.

  D. Notify the physician to get an order for stimulate medication.

  Correct Answer: C

  You would want to assess for all current substance use patterns, including time of last usage and assess for withdrawal signs and symptoms. The patient is displaying signs of withdrawal and will require treatment before he goes into delirium tremors, which can become life threatening.

• Question 3:

  You are caring for a patient who will be transitioning to outpatient care. What statement by the patient would lead you to believe the patient is at risk for relapse?

  A. The patient has been dreaming about gambling and compulsive sex.

  B. The patient is unhappy.

  C. The patient is hungry and tired

  D. The patient has been keeping thoughts of using a secret

  Correct Answer: D

  The patient who is keeping thoughts of using a secret is at most risk for relapsing. This is an indication that the patient is manipulating things. This is a using behavior and can trigger using. The other three options are all natural feelings.

• Question 4:

  Which of the following medications would you give to a patient with benzodiazepine overdose?

  A. Diazepam (Valium)

  B. Traizolam (Halicion)

  C. Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

  D. Flumazenil (Romazicon)

  Correct Answer: D

  Flumazenil (Romazicon) is given to a patient with benzodiazepine overdose because it is an antagonist. Diazepam and traizolam are also benzodiazepines and would increase the overdose. Fluvoxamine is an SSRI anti-depressant and would not be an effective treatment for this patient.

• Question 5:

  A patient inquires about the therapeutic uses of marijuana. You know that marijuana is used for what therapeutic use?

  A. Stimulating appetite

  B. Stimulating the patient to become more organized and motivated

  C. Reducing stress

  D. Antibacterial agent

  Correct Answer: A

  Marijuana is used in AIDS patients to increase appetite. Marijuana does not increase the patient's motivation or organization, reduce stress or have antibacterial properties.

• Question 6:

  Your patient is starting on disulfiram (Antabuse) for alcohol withdrawal. What is the highest priority for this patient?

  A. Social reintegration

  B. Learning about the disease

  C. Remaining abstinent

  D. Remaining in rehab

  Correct Answer: C

  The priority for the patient taking disulfiram (Antabuse) is to remain abstinent. Antabuse reacts with alcohol to cause adverse effects, which is why it is given to alcoholics. The other three options are important but can not occur without option C.

• Question 7:

  You are caring for a patient who is diaphoretic and disoriented and has a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The patient complains of anxiety and disorientation and is unable to sit still. What do you suspect is causing the patient's symptoms?

  A. Withdrawal from alcohol or depressants

  B. Flu

  C. Withdrawal from antipsychotic drugs

  D. Abruptly discontinuing lithium

  Correct Answer: A

  The patient's symptoms are most likely caused by withdrawal from alcohol or depressants. The patient would not complain of disorientation with the flu. There are usually no withdrawal affects from antipsychotic drugs. These are not the symptoms associated with lithium withdrawal.

• Question 8:

  What causes neurological deficiencies associated with long-term alcohol abuse?

  A. Nervous system damage by the alcohol

  B. Alcohol's interference with folate delivery

  C. Impaired metabolism

  D. Poor general nutrition

  Correct Answer: A

  The patient with long-term alcohol abuse would be at a higher risk for nervous system damage from the alcohol. The alcohol remains in the system for long periods and damages the nervous system. This can lead to changes in level of consciousness and demented patients who require complete care.

• Question 9:

  You are caring for a patient who is being prepared for surgery. The patient has a history of alcohol abuse. Which of the following would the patient be at risk for because of the alcohol abuse?

  A. Impaired liver metabolism

  B. Hyperviaminosis

  C. Central nervous system stimulation

  D. Hypermagnesemia

  Correct Answer: A

  A patient with a history of alcohol abuse would be at risk for impaired liver function. This is a concern for the patient going to surgery because of the medications the patient will be administered in surgery. These medications could have increased effectiveness if they are not metabolized properly in the liver, as the patient may not be able to filter them out.

• Question 10:

  You are caring for a patient in the withdrawal process. What medication do you expect the physician to order to make the withdrawal process easier?

  A. Tetrahydrocannabinol

  B. Naltrexone hydrochloride

  C. Benzodiazepine

  D. Amphetamines

  Correct Answer: C

  The physician would order benzodiazepines for the patient going through the withdrawal process. The patient going through withdrawal can be anxious and agitated. Withdrawal can also lead to elevated blood pressure, heart rate and even death in some cases if not treated. Giving benzodiazepines to the patient decreases the risk of this happening.