Answer to Question 1
Answer: B
Downers are central nervous system depressants. Barbiturates and alcohol are a lethal combination. The client who has ingested both items is at risk for varying degrees of sedation, up to coma and death. Seizure activity, signs of withdrawal, and signs of hallucinations do not pose as great a risk for this client as respiratory depression.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: D
Although most studies have focused on the role of dopamine D(1) and dopamine D(2) receptors in sustaining the addictive danger of drugs, recent studies also have shown that the dopamine D(3) receptor is involved in drug-seeking behavior. Ethanol, not dopamine, increases opioid transmission and reinforces the cycle of substance abuse. Dopamine does not cause changes in brain neurotransmission that enhance the cycle of substance abuse. D(1) and D(2) receptors are not responsible for co-occurring disorders.