CARN Managing Co-Occurring Disorders 4

Question 1

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and benzodiazepine use disorder requires anxiolytic treatment. The safest pharmacological option is:

Accepted Answer

Buspirone, a non-benzodiazepine anxiolytic

Answer

Buspirone is a non-addictive anxiolytic without abuse potential, making it the safest option for patients with co-occurring benzodiazepine use disorder.

Question 2

When conducting a suicide risk assessment in a patient with co-occurring depression and alcohol use disorder, which factor increases suicide risk most significantly?

Accepted Answer

Active alcohol intoxication combined with depressive symptoms

Answer

Active alcohol intoxication dramatically increases impulsivity and lowers inhibitions, significantly elevating suicide risk in patients with co-occurring depression.

Question 3

A patient with schizophrenia in recovery from methamphetamine use disorder begins experiencing worsening psychosis. The CARN should first:

Accepted Answer

Assume relapse to methamphetamine and obtain a urine drug screen

Answer

Methamphetamine use can worsen psychotic symptoms, and confirming or ruling out relapse through drug screening is the essential first step.

Question 4

Which stage of the Prochaska transtheoretical model describes a patient who acknowledges their substance use is problematic but is not yet planning to change?

Accepted Answer

Contemplation

Answer

In the contemplation stage, individuals are aware of the problem and considering change but have not yet committed to taking action.

Question 5

Naltrexone is contraindicated in a patient with co-occurring opioid use disorder and:

Accepted Answer

Acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes (more than 3-5x normal)

Answer

Naltrexone is hepatotoxic at high doses and is contraindicated in patients with significant hepatic impairment, including acute hepatitis with elevated transaminases.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Managing Co-Occurring Disorders 4