National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I (NCAC I) Practice Exam

Why is cocaine used medically by certain specialists?

1. It serves as a pain reliever

2. It promotes muscle relaxation

3. It acts as an anesthetic and vasoconstrictor

4. It enhances respiratory function

The correct answer is: It acts as an anesthetic and vasoconstrictor

Cocaine is used medically primarily for its properties as a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor. In specific medical contexts, particularly in procedures involving the ear, nose, and throat, cocaine is effective for numbing tissues because it blocks nerve signals, providing localized anesthesia. Additionally, its vasoconstrictive properties help to reduce blood flow to the area, minimizing bleeding during surgical procedures. This dual effect makes cocaine a unique tool for certain specialized medical applications. Other uses of cocaine, such as pain relief or promoting muscle relaxation, are typically managed with more effective and safer medications, which is why they are not aligned with cocaine’s medical applications.