NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Ace your North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) with our comprehensive practice test. Features include interactive flashcards, multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations. Fast-track your pharmacy career today!

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What differentiates pseudo-addiction from addiction?

Lack of drug-seeking behavior
Involvement in drug trafficking
Legitimate, poorly controlled pain
No physical withdrawal symptoms

The correct answer is: Legitimate, poorly controlled pain

Pseudo-addiction and addiction both involve the misuse of prescription painkillers and may present with similar symptoms such as increased drug use and drug-seeking behavior. However, what differentiates pseudo-addiction from addiction is the underlying reason for the behavior. Pseudo-addiction is a result of legitimate, poorly controlled pain, whereas addiction is a chronic, compulsive need for the drug despite negative consequences. Lack of drug-seeking behavior (A) and involvement in drug trafficking (B) are not factors that contribute to the distinction between the two. Additionally, while addiction may also involve physical withdrawal symptoms (D), pseudo-addiction does not as it is caused by undertreated pain rather than physical dependence on the drug.