Drug Classifications Quiz Related

Review Drug Classifications Quiz related questions and content

The telephone triage nurse receives a call from a patient asking for a prescription for a narcotic to manage his surgical pain. The nurse explains that narcotic prescriptions must be written and cannot be called in to the pharmacy. The patient says, Why are narcotics so difficult to get a prescription for? What is the nurses best response?

  • A. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) determines the risk for addiction and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces their control.
  • B. The increase in the number of drug addicts has made the rules stronger.
  • C. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulates use of controlled substances to reduce the risk of injury.
  • D. Controlled substances like narcotics are controlled by the FDA and the DEA.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Controlled substances are controlled by the FDA and the DEA: the DEA enforces control while the FDA determines abuse potential. Regulations related to controlled substances have remained strict and specific and have not been significantly impacted by substance abusers. The CDC is not involved in control of narcotics and other controlled substances.