skip to main content

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome — MCCQE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardSubstance UseCannabis hyperemesis syndromeMCCQE Part 1

A 27-year-old with daily high-potency cannabis use has a fourth admission for stereotyped vomiting relieved by hot bathing. CT, lipase and endoscopy have been unrevealing, and symptoms resolve after abstinence in hospital but recur after discharge. Which intervention most directly prevents further episodes?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Support sustained cannabis cessation with addiction-focused follow-up

Prescribe ondansetron daily while cannabis use continues unchanged: Antiemetics can be used during an acute episode but do not prevent recurrence while the causal exposure continues. Prescribe a proton-pump inhibitor indefinitely while cannabis use continues: Acid suppression does not correct cannabinoid-mediated vomiting and has no role as indefinite preventive monotherapy. Recommend scheduled hot showers as the long-term preventive strategy: Hot bathing is a characteristic temporary behaviour, not a safe or durable disease-modifying intervention. Support sustained cannabis cessation with addiction-focused follow-up: The reproducible exposure-response pattern makes relapse prevention dependent on stopping cannabis, with support for dependence and withdrawal when needed. Arrange elective cholecystectomy because antiemetics have been ineffective: The normal evaluation and exposure-linked recurrence do not support biliary surgery.

Reference: https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/cannabis