Detox Detox Assessment and Screening 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which validated tool is used to assess a patient's risk for opioid misuse before initiating opioid-based treatment?
- CIWA-Ar
- Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) (Correct answer)
- DAST-10
- PHQ-9
Correct answer: Opioid Risk Tool (ORT)
The Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) is a validated screening instrument used to assess a patient's risk for opioid misuse or abuse, informing decisions about opioid-based therapy.
Question 2: The DSM-5 is used in detox assessments primarily to:
- Calculate medication dosages for withdrawal
- Diagnose substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions (Correct answer)
- Determine a patient's physical fitness for detox
- Assess nutritional deficiencies during withdrawal
Correct answer: Diagnose substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions
The DSM-5 provides standardized diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, guiding accurate diagnosis during detox intake.
Question 3: Which vital sign pattern is most concerning and expected during significant alcohol withdrawal?
- Decreased heart rate and lowered blood pressure
- Elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and elevated temperature (Correct answer)
- Decreased temperature and slowed breathing
- Normal vital signs with mild diaphoresis only
Correct answer: Elevated heart rate, increased blood pressure, and elevated temperature
Tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperthermia are hallmark signs of significant alcohol withdrawal reflecting central nervous system hyperactivity, requiring immediate medical attention.
Question 4: A CIWA-Ar score of 15–20 indicates which level of alcohol withdrawal severity?
- Minimal withdrawal — no medication needed
- Mild withdrawal — monitor closely only
- Moderate withdrawal — pharmacological intervention likely needed (Correct answer)
- Severe withdrawal — immediate intensive care required
Correct answer: Moderate withdrawal — pharmacological intervention likely needed
A CIWA-Ar score of 15–20 indicates moderate alcohol withdrawal, which typically necessitates pharmacological treatment such as benzodiazepines to prevent progression.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT typically included in a detox biopsychosocial assessment?
- History of prior detox attempts
- Family history of substance use
- Detailed documentation of recreational hobbies and leisure preferences (Correct answer)
- Legal and vocational history
Correct answer: Detailed documentation of recreational hobbies and leisure preferences
A biopsychosocial assessment covers medical, psychological, and social factors relevant to treatment planning; general leisure preferences are not a standard clinical component.
Question 6: Which screening tool is most appropriate for identifying depression in a detox patient?
- AUDIT
- PHQ-9 (Correct answer)
- CAGE
- CIWA-Ar
Correct answer: PHQ-9
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) is a validated 9-item tool widely used to screen for and measure the severity of depression in clinical settings including detox.
Question 7: During detox screening, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is used to assess:
- Alcohol withdrawal symptom severity
- Level of consciousness and neurological function (Correct answer)
- Risk of relapse following detox
- Nutritional status and vitamin deficiencies
Correct answer: Level of consciousness and neurological function
The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses level of consciousness via eye, verbal, and motor responses, which is critical when a patient presents with altered mental status during detox.
Detox Detox Assessment and Screening 2
Which validated tool is used to assess a patient's risk for opioid misuse before initiating opioid-based treatment?