CARN Co-Occurring Disorders 2

Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient with schizophrenia and alcohol use disorder. Which treatment approach is most evidence-based for this population?

Accepted Answer

Integrated dual diagnosis treatment addressing both simultaneously

Answer

Treat the psychiatric disorder first, then the addiction

Answer

Treat the addiction first, then the psychiatric disorder

Answer

Refer to separate specialized programs for each disorder

Question 2

Which medication is FDA-approved for alcohol use disorder and has also shown benefit in reducing cravings in patients with bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Naltrexone

Answer

Disulfiram

Answer

Acamprosate

Answer

Topiramate

Question 3

A patient presents with severe anxiety and benzodiazepine dependence. After stabilization, which non-addictive anxiolytic medication would be most appropriate for long-term anxiety management?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone

Answer

Clonazepam

Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Lorazepam

Question 4

The term 'self-medication hypothesis' in the context of co-occurring disorders refers to:

Accepted Answer

Individuals using substances to manage untreated psychiatric symptoms

Answer

Patients prescribing their own psychiatric medications

Answer

Healthcare providers allowing patients to manage their own detox

Answer

The use of over-the-counter drugs for mental health conditions

Question 5

Which psychiatric disorder has the HIGHEST comorbidity rate with substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

Antisocial personality disorder

Answer

Major depressive disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 6

A nurse assesses a patient in early opioid withdrawal who also has a history of PTSD. Which symptom would be MOST concerning and warrant immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Suicidal ideation with a plan

Answer

Mild nausea and diaphoresis

Answer

Mild anxiety and irritability

Answer

Yawning and lacrimation

Question 7

Which of the following best describes 'diagnostic overshadowing' in the context of co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

Attributing psychiatric symptoms solely to substance use, missing underlying mental illness

Answer

A patient hiding their substance use from providers

Answer

A comorbid condition that worsens substance use outcomes

Answer

The use of multiple diagnoses to explain one set of symptoms