CARN Assessment and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

A 28-year-old patient presents with rhinorrhea, lacrimation, goosebumps, and a COWS score of 18. Which level of opioid withdrawal does this represent?

Accepted Answer

Severe withdrawal

Answer

A COWS score of 13 or higher indicates severe opioid withdrawal requiring prompt clinical intervention.

Question 2

Which laboratory finding would most support a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder in a patient who denies heavy drinking?

Accepted Answer

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Answer

Elevated GGT and increased MCV (macrocytosis) are sensitive biomarkers for chronic heavy alcohol use.

Question 3

When using the SBIRT model, what does the 'BI' component involve for a patient who screens positive for risky substance use?

Accepted Answer

Brief intervention to raise awareness and motivate change

Answer

Brief Intervention (BI) in SBIRT involves a short, motivational conversation to increase awareness of substance use risks and encourage behavior change.

Question 4

A patient prescribed buprenorphine/naloxone reports feeling 'sick' after taking the first dose. Which assessment finding best explains precipitated withdrawal?

Accepted Answer

The patient was still in full opioid intoxication when buprenorphine was given

Answer

Precipitated withdrawal occurs when buprenorphine displaces full agonist opioids from receptors before sufficient withdrawal has occurred, causing abrupt withdrawal symptoms.

Question 5

Which instrument is the gold-standard structured interview for diagnosing substance use disorders according to DSM-5 criteria?

Accepted Answer

SCID-5 (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5)

Answer

The SCID-5 is the gold-standard structured diagnostic interview used to assess and confirm DSM-5 substance use disorder diagnoses.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Assessment and Diagnosis 3