CARN Patient Assessment and Diagnosis 3

Question 1

A nurse assesses a patient 36 hours post-last benzodiazepine use. The patient scores 18 on the CIWA-Ar. What is the correct interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Moderate withdrawal; pharmacological treatment indicated

Answer

A CIWA-Ar score of 15–20 indicates moderate withdrawal, warranting pharmacological management typically with benzodiazepines.

Question 2

When assessing a patient suspected of cannabis use disorder, the nurse should ask about which symptom cluster that appears within one week of heavy, prolonged use cessation?

Accepted Answer

Irritability, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, and restlessness

Answer

Cannabis withdrawal syndrome includes irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, and decreased appetite, typically peaking in the first week of abstinence.

Question 3

A patient with an extensive opioid use history presents with pinpoint pupils, decreased respirations of 8/min, and unresponsiveness. Which assessment action is the nurse's first priority?

Accepted Answer

Administer naloxone per protocol

Answer

Signs of opioid overdose with respiratory depression require immediate naloxone administration to reverse life-threatening CNS and respiratory depression.

Question 4

Which laboratory finding most strongly suggests chronic heavy alcohol use during a nursing assessment?

Accepted Answer

Elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV)

Answer

Chronically elevated GGT combined with macrocytosis (elevated MCV) is a sensitive marker of prolonged heavy alcohol consumption.

Question 5

In assessing trauma history as part of addiction intake, the nurse should prioritize asking because:

Accepted Answer

Trauma and substance use disorders are highly co-occurring and trauma may drive use

Answer

High rates of co-occurring PTSD and SUD mean trauma-informed screening is essential for understanding the function of substance use and guiding treatment.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN Patient Assessment and Diagnosis 3