More questions on this topics

More questions on this topics ( 26 Questions)

A patient who is addicted to heroin is admitted to the hospital for treatment of an infection. The patient is prescribed methadone (Dolophine) as part of a detoxification program. What is the rationale for using methadone in this patient?



Correct Answer: B

The correct answer is choice B. Methadone blocks the euphoric effects of heroin and discourages its use. Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic that produces a cross-tolerance to other narcotics, thereby preventing the user from feeling the high of heroin. Methadone also reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings for heroin.

Choice A is wrong because methadone does not prevent withdrawal symptoms, but rather reduces them.

 Choice C is wrong because methadone does not stimulate opioid receptors, but rather occupies them and blocks their activation by heroin. 

Choice D is wrong because methadone does not reverse the respiratory depression caused by heroin overdose, but rather carries a risk of overdose itself.




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