American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What does adherence monitoring help reduce in patients on long-term opioid therapy?

1. Side effects of medication

2. Prescription drug abuse

3. Depression and anxiety

4. Chronic pain levels

The correct answer is: Prescription drug abuse

Adherence monitoring is a crucial aspect of managing patients who are on long-term opioid therapy, and it plays a significant role in reducing prescription drug abuse. This practice involves regularly assessing whether patients are taking their medications as prescribed, which helps to identify patterns of misuse or non-compliance. By closely monitoring adherence, healthcare providers can intervene early when signs of potential abuse arise. This could involve adjusting dosages, modifying treatment plans, or providing additional education about the proper use of opioids. Consequently, adherence monitoring not only promotes responsible use of opioids but also supports the overall goal of minimizing the risk of addiction and diversion of these powerful medications. In contrast, while side effects, mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and chronic pain are all important considerations in a patient's treatment plan, adherence monitoring primarily targets the misuse of prescription drugs, hence its specific effectiveness in reducing prescription drug abuse.