CARN Managing Co-Occurring Disorders 5

Question 1

A patient with co-occurring PTSD and opioid use disorder is most likely to disengage from treatment when:

Accepted Answer

Trauma-focused therapy is introduced too rapidly before adequate stabilization

Answer

Introducing trauma-focused therapy before a patient is stabilized can increase distress and dropout risk; phased treatment is recommended for this population.

Question 2

Which population is at highest risk for co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders according to epidemiological data?

Accepted Answer

Individuals with severe mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder

Answer

Individuals with severe mental illness have rates of co-occurring substance use disorders estimated at 50% or higher, far exceeding the general population.

Question 3

A patient with co-occurring antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and alcohol use disorder presents for treatment. The CARN should recognize that:

Accepted Answer

ASPD is frequently associated with higher rates of treatment dropout and recidivism

Answer

ASPD is associated with poorer treatment engagement and higher rates of dropout and recidivism, requiring tailored approaches focused on extrinsic motivation.

Question 4

Which of the following best supports the 'stress-diathesis model' as applied to co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

A biological vulnerability combined with environmental stressors leads to the development of mental illness

Answer

The stress-diathesis model posits that genetic vulnerability combined with environmental stress leads to the expression of mental illness, relevant to understanding co-occurring disorders.

Question 5

A CARN is caring for a patient with co-occurring major depression and cannabis use disorder. The patient asks if stopping cannabis will improve their depression. The evidence-based response is:

Accepted Answer

Cannabis abstinence often leads to improvement in depressive symptoms over time, though not always

Answer

Research shows depressive symptoms often improve with cannabis abstinence, but some patients have an independent major depressive disorder requiring separate treatment.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Managing Co-Occurring Disorders 5