DSST Substance Abuse case studies
DSST Substance Abuse · Put your knowledge to work in context.
Substance Abuse is a DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Test) exam in the Social Sciences category, formerly titled "Drug and Alcohol Abuse." Passing it earns 3 baccalaureate credits at participating institutions; the DSST program states that over 1,500 colleges and universities recognize DSST exams and award college credit for passing scores. It suits independent learners, adult students, and service members who already know the material and want credit without sitting the equivalent course. The DSST Substance Abuse case studies are 5 cases and about 2,634 words.
1Cholestatic Hepatitis and Suppressed Gonadotropins in a Bodybuilder Using Internet Supplements
A 26-year-old male bodybuilder presents with 10 days of jaundice, pruritus, dark urine, and right upper quadrant discomfort. He denies alcohol, injection drug use, and acetaminophen overuse.
559 words, about 3 min2Alcohol Withdrawal Superimposed on Cirrhosis With Prior Seizures
A 47-year-old man with alcohol use disorder is admitted 36 hours after his last drink with tremor, diaphoresis, and agitation. He has Child-Pugh class B cirrhosis, ascites, and thrombocytopenia (platelets 78,000/µL).
495 words, about 2 min3Allocating a One-Time Opioid Settlement in a Rural County
A rural county with 48,000 residents recorded 38 overdose deaths last year, up from 19 three years earlier. Autopsy toxicology attributes 62% to illicitly manufactured fentanyl, often pressed into counterfeit oxycodone tablets.
578 words, about 3 min4Adolescent With Psychosis, Daily 'Spice' Use, and a Positive THC Immunoassay
A 16-year-old is brought to an adolescent clinic by parents after an episode of agitation, paranoia, and 'seeing shadows' at school. He admits using 'spice' daily for 3 months, sometimes with alcohol, and denies other drugs.
524 words, about 3 min5Wernicke Encephalopathy Masked by Prior Dextrose Administration
A 58-year-old man with a 30-year history of heavy alcohol use is brought in by his sister because of 3 weeks of confusion and unsteady gait. He denies drinking for 10 days but has had poor oral intake.
478 words, about 2 min