CARN Co-Occurring Disorders 4

Question 1

A patient with schizophrenia and cannabis use disorder reports that marijuana helps reduce their auditory hallucinations. The nurse's BEST response is:

Accepted Answer

Explain that cannabis may temporarily relieve symptoms but worsens psychosis long-term

Answer

The nurse should use psychoeducation to explain that while cannabis may provide short-term relief, it is associated with worsened psychosis, earlier onset, and poorer long-term outcomes in schizophrenia.

Question 2

Which of the following co-occurring disorders requires the nurse to be MOST vigilant about serotonin syndrome when prescribing pharmacotherapy?

Accepted Answer

OCD treated with SSRIs and concurrent MDMA use

Answer

MDMA causes massive serotonin release, and when combined with SSRIs used for OCD, creates a high risk for potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

Question 3

In the ASAM multidimensional assessment for a patient with co-occurring disorders, which dimension specifically addresses emotional and behavioral conditions?

Accepted Answer

Dimension 3: Emotional, Behavioral, or Cognitive Conditions and Complications

Answer

ASAM Dimension 3 specifically addresses emotional, behavioral, or cognitive conditions and complications, including co-occurring psychiatric disorders.

Question 4

A nurse working with a patient with co-occurring borderline personality disorder and alcohol use disorder should prioritize which treatment approach?

Accepted Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy combined with motivational enhancement

Answer

Dialectical behavior therapy combined with motivational enhancement therapy is well-supported for co-occurring BPD and alcohol use disorder, addressing both emotion dysregulation and substance use.

Question 5

When evaluating a patient for co-occurring ADHD and stimulant use disorder, which consideration is MOST important before prescribing stimulant medication?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of ADHD symptom onset prior to stimulant use to confirm independent diagnosis

Answer

Confirming that ADHD symptoms predated stimulant use is essential to establish an independent diagnosis, as stimulant intoxication and withdrawal can mimic ADHD symptoms.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Co-Occurring Disorders 4