CARN - Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client in early recovery for alcohol use disorder states, "I had a terrible day at work, so I absolutely deserve to have a few drinks to unwind." Which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) technique would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in response?

Accepted Answer

Assist the client in identifying and challenging this cognitive distortion.

Answer

Explore the client's childhood experiences related to rewards and relaxation.

Answer

Provide positive reinforcement in the form of a voucher for not drinking.

Answer

Encourage the client to accept the thought without judgment and let it pass.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching distress tolerance skills from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) framework to a client who experiences overwhelming cravings for stimulants. Which of the following skills would be most appropriate to use for immediate, short-term crisis management?

Accepted Answer

Using the TIPP skills (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Paired muscle relaxation).

Answer

Analyzing the pros and cons of using stimulants to make a logical decision.

Answer

Completing a detailed thought record to challenge the validity of the craving.

Answer

Calling their sponsor to discuss their feelings and work on a step.

Question 3

During a process group for individuals with substance use disorders, one member consistently offers unsolicited advice to others, saying things like, "What you should do is..." What is the most therapeutic action for the nurse facilitator to take?

Accepted Answer

Gently redirect the member to share from their own experience using "I" statements.

Answer

Thank the member for their helpful suggestions and move the conversation on.

Answer

Privately address the member's advice-giving behavior after the group has concluded.

Answer

Allow the other group members to confront the individual for being disruptive.

Question 4

Which of the following is a core principle of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) when establishing a therapeutic environment for clients with substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing physical and psychological safety in all interactions and environments.

Answer

Requiring clients to provide a detailed account of their trauma history during intake.

Answer

Maintaining a strict, hierarchical relationship between staff and clients to provide structure.

Answer

Focusing treatment exclusively on the substance use disorder before addressing any trauma.

Question 5

A nurse is educating the spouse of a person with a severe alcohol use disorder who is resistant to treatment. The nurse introduces the Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) model. What is the primary goal of this modality for the spouse?

Accepted Answer

To learn skills that positively reinforce sobriety and encourage the person to enter treatment.

Answer

To practice 'tough love' and detachment to allow the person to hit rock bottom.

Answer

To organize a surprise, confrontational intervention with other family and friends.

Answer

To focus solely on their own recovery and well-being through a 12-step program like Al-Anon.

Question 6

What is the primary role of a nurse implementing Twelve-Step Facilitation (TSF) therapy?

Accepted Answer

To actively encourage participation in community-based 12-step groups and explain the core principles.

Answer

To act as the client's temporary sponsor and guide them through the 12 steps.

Answer

To mandate that the client attend a specific number of AA or NA meetings per week.

Answer

To lead 12-step meetings within the clinical setting as a substitute for community meetings.