CARN Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CARN exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CARN Exam Format at a Glance

150

Questions

180 min

Time Limit

70%

Passing Score

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📚 CARN Topics to Study (83)

Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis · 9 cards Patient Education & Support Strategies · 9 cards Pharmacology & Substance Use Disorders · 9 cards Treatment Planning & Implementation · 9 cards Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis · 7 cards Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis · 7 cards Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis · 7 cards Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis · 7 cards Assessment and Diagnosis · 7 cards Assessment and Diagnosis · 7 cards Assessment and Diagnosis · 7 cards Assessment and Diagnosis · 7 cards Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities · 7 cards Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities · 7 cards Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities · 7 cards Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities · 7 cards Ethical and Legal Principles · 7 cards Ethical and Legal Principles · 7 cards Ethical and Legal Principles · 7 cards Ethical and Legal Principles · 7 cards Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 cards Neurobiology of Addiction · 7 cards Neurobiology of Addiction · 7 cards

See all 83 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample CARN Questions & Answers

1. Which scenario represents an appropriate use of clinical supervision for a CARN?

✓ Discussing a challenging case with a supervisor to process countertransference reactions

Clinical supervision provides a structured space to process countertransference and complex clinical reactions that can affect patient care.

2. A CARN is asked to sign documentation attesting to treatment services that were not actually provided. This action would constitute:

✓ Healthcare fraud

Signing attestations for services not rendered constitutes healthcare fraud, which is illegal and violates professional ethics.

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

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

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

4. What is a major concern when using pharmacological interventions in addiction treatment?

✓ The potential for misuse or dependence on the medication

A significant concern with pharmacological interventions in addiction treatment is the potential for patients to misuse the prescribed medication or develop a new dependence. This risk necessitates careful monitoring by healthcare professionals, appropriate prescribing practices, and thorough patient education. The goal is to support recovery without inadvertently creating new substance use issues.

5. When a patient threatens to harm a specific, identifiable third party, a nurse's legal duty under Tarasoff principles requires:

✓ Warning the potential victim and notifying appropriate authorities

Tarasoff establishes a duty to warn identifiable potential victims when a credible threat of harm exists, overriding typical confidentiality.

6. A CARN discovers a colleague is diverting controlled substances for personal use. What is the nurse's primary ethical obligation?

✓ Report the behavior to the appropriate authority or supervisor immediately

The CARN has an ethical and legal obligation to report suspected diversion immediately to protect patient safety and uphold professional standards.

🎯 Free CARN Practice Tests

Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis · 9 questions Patient Education & Support Strategies · 9 questions Treatment Planning & Implementation · 9 questions Pharmacology & Substance Use Disorders · 9 questions Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 questions Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 questions Nursing Interventions and Treatment · 7 questions Pharmacology & Substance Use Disorders · 7 questions Managing Co-Occurring Disorders · 7 questions Pharmacology & Substance Use Disorders · 7 questions

📖 CARN Guides & Articles

Your CARN Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 CARN Flashcards (577)🏆 CARN Exam Simulation

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