ABA Pain Medicine Certification Examination
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line
pharmacologic treatment for chronic neuropathic pain?
a) Acetaminophen
b) NSAIDs
c) Gabapentin
d) Opioids
Gabapentin is first-line for neuropathic pain due to its efficacy and
safety profile, whereas opioids are generally reserved for refractory
cases.
2. What is the maximum recommended daily dose of
acetaminophen for an adult without liver disease?
a) 2 grams
b) 4 grams
c) 6 grams
d) 8 grams
The safe upper limit for adults without hepatic dysfunction is 4 grams
per day to prevent hepatotoxicity.
3. Which nerve block is most appropriate for providing analgesia
after a total knee arthroplasty?
a) Sciatic nerve block
b) Femoral nerve block
, c) Brachial plexus block
d) Intercostal nerve block
The femoral nerve block targets the anterior knee region and provides
effective post-operative analgesia after knee surgery.
4. Which of the following opioids is considered safest in patients
with renal impairment?
a) Morphine
b) Fentanyl
c) Meperidine
d) Hydromorphone
Fentanyl is metabolized hepatically and does not accumulate active
metabolites in renal failure, making it safer than morphine or
meperidine.
5. Which of the following is the best initial imaging study for
suspected spinal cord compression?
a) X-ray
b) MRI
c) CT scan
d) Ultrasound
MRI provides the most detailed visualization of spinal cord and soft
tissue structures and is preferred for diagnosis of spinal cord
compression.
6. Which class of medications is most appropriate for first-line
treatment of fibromyalgia?
a) NSAIDs
b) SNRIs
c) Opioids
d) Corticosteroids
, SNRIs, such as duloxetine, are first-line due to efficacy in reducing pain
and improving function in fibromyalgia.
7. A 65-year-old patient with chronic low back pain is not responding
to NSAIDs. Which interventional procedure is most appropriate
next?
a) Epidural steroid injection
b) Facet joint injection
c) Trigger point injection
d) Sympathetic block
Facet joint injections are indicated for pain localized to facet-mediated
regions and are a next step if conservative therapy fails.
8. Which of the following is a common side effect of long-term
opioid therapy?
a) Hypotension
b) Constipation
c) Hyperglycemia
d) Alopecia
Constipation is a nearly universal side effect due to opioid-induced
decreased gastrointestinal motility.
9. In treating chronic pain, the combination of an opioid with which
adjuvant medication can help reduce opioid requirements?
a) Gabapentin
b) Acetaminophen
c) Ibuprofen
d) Prednisone
Gabapentin acts on neuropathic pain pathways, providing opioid-
sparing effects.
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most appropriate first-line
pharmacologic treatment for chronic neuropathic pain?
a) Acetaminophen
b) NSAIDs
c) Gabapentin
d) Opioids
Gabapentin is first-line for neuropathic pain due to its efficacy and
safety profile, whereas opioids are generally reserved for refractory
cases.
2. What is the maximum recommended daily dose of
acetaminophen for an adult without liver disease?
a) 2 grams
b) 4 grams
c) 6 grams
d) 8 grams
The safe upper limit for adults without hepatic dysfunction is 4 grams
per day to prevent hepatotoxicity.
3. Which nerve block is most appropriate for providing analgesia
after a total knee arthroplasty?
a) Sciatic nerve block
b) Femoral nerve block
, c) Brachial plexus block
d) Intercostal nerve block
The femoral nerve block targets the anterior knee region and provides
effective post-operative analgesia after knee surgery.
4. Which of the following opioids is considered safest in patients
with renal impairment?
a) Morphine
b) Fentanyl
c) Meperidine
d) Hydromorphone
Fentanyl is metabolized hepatically and does not accumulate active
metabolites in renal failure, making it safer than morphine or
meperidine.
5. Which of the following is the best initial imaging study for
suspected spinal cord compression?
a) X-ray
b) MRI
c) CT scan
d) Ultrasound
MRI provides the most detailed visualization of spinal cord and soft
tissue structures and is preferred for diagnosis of spinal cord
compression.
6. Which class of medications is most appropriate for first-line
treatment of fibromyalgia?
a) NSAIDs
b) SNRIs
c) Opioids
d) Corticosteroids
, SNRIs, such as duloxetine, are first-line due to efficacy in reducing pain
and improving function in fibromyalgia.
7. A 65-year-old patient with chronic low back pain is not responding
to NSAIDs. Which interventional procedure is most appropriate
next?
a) Epidural steroid injection
b) Facet joint injection
c) Trigger point injection
d) Sympathetic block
Facet joint injections are indicated for pain localized to facet-mediated
regions and are a next step if conservative therapy fails.
8. Which of the following is a common side effect of long-term
opioid therapy?
a) Hypotension
b) Constipation
c) Hyperglycemia
d) Alopecia
Constipation is a nearly universal side effect due to opioid-induced
decreased gastrointestinal motility.
9. In treating chronic pain, the combination of an opioid with which
adjuvant medication can help reduce opioid requirements?
a) Gabapentin
b) Acetaminophen
c) Ibuprofen
d) Prednisone
Gabapentin acts on neuropathic pain pathways, providing opioid-
sparing effects.
