OVERVIEW
This page is dedicated to organizing various examples of standardized exam questions whose answer is phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication. While this may seem a odd practice, it is useful to see multiple examples of how phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication will be characterized on standardized exams (namely the boards and the shelf exams). This page is not meant to be used as a tradition question bank (as all of the answers will be the same), however seeing the classic “test” characterization for a disease is quite valuable.
QUESTION EXAMPLES
Question # 1
A previously healthy 25 year old man is brought to the emergency department by a friend 30 minutes after he begins act bizarrely at a party. His friend explains that he started to become very paranoid, and started threatening others at the gathering. His temperature is 100.8‡F. Physical examination shows agitation, diaphoresis, horizontal nystagmus, and occasional myoclonus. Mental status exam is notable for dysarthria speech and combativeness. This patients thoughts appear disorganized, and he is not able to give a clear history. During the exam he believes that the physician is trying to kill him. Half an hour later he becomes somnolent. The medical staff administers naloxone but this does not improve his condition. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Question # 2
Four policemen, with much difficulty, bring in an agitated and combative 26 year old man to the emergency department. Once they arrive, he is restrained physically because he reacts with rage and tries to hit anyone who comes near. When it is finally safe to approach him, the physician notices that the patient has very prominent vertical nystagmus. Soon after arriving, the patient has a generalized seizure. Which of the following substance related conditions likely explains the presentation of this patient?
Page Updated: 09.17.2016