CARN Nursing Interventions and Treatment 2

Question 1

A patient in alcohol withdrawal scores 15 on the CIWA-Ar. Which medication is the first-line pharmacological intervention?

Accepted Answer

Lorazepam

Answer

Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam are first-line agents for managing moderate-to-severe alcohol withdrawal due to their cross-tolerance with alcohol at GABA receptors.

Question 2

Which nursing intervention is most important when administering methadone in an opioid treatment program (OTP)?

Accepted Answer

Observe the patient swallow the dose to confirm ingestion

Answer

Direct observation of methadone ingestion (DOT) is required at OTPs to prevent diversion and confirm therapeutic dosing.

Question 3

A nurse is planning brief motivational interventions for a patient identified through SBIRT screening. What does SBIRT stand for?

Accepted Answer

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

Answer

SBIRT is a public health framework—Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment—used across healthcare settings to address substance use disorders.

Question 4

A patient on buprenorphine/naloxone reports severe withdrawal symptoms 18 hours after their last heroin use. What is the priority nursing action before initiating the first dose?

Accepted Answer

Confirm the patient is in moderate objective opioid withdrawal using a scale like COWS

Answer

Buprenorphine induction must be delayed until the patient displays objective withdrawal signs (COWS ≥ 8–12) to prevent precipitated withdrawal.

Question 5

Which psychosocial intervention is specifically designed to enhance a patient's internal motivation to change addictive behaviors by exploring ambivalence?

Accepted Answer

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Answer

Motivational Interviewing is a patient-centered, directive counseling style designed to elicit and strengthen motivation for change by resolving ambivalence.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Nursing Interventions and Treatment 2