MAC Screening and Assessment 5

Question 1

A counselor administering the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) notices the client skipped several items. The counselor should:

Accepted Answer

Ask the client to complete the skipped items before interpreting the score

Answer

Missing items compromise the total BDI-II score; the counselor should invite the client to answer skipped items to ensure a valid, complete result.

Question 2

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'specifiers' in DSM-5 substance use disorder diagnoses?

Accepted Answer

Indicating severity as mild, moderate, or severe based on symptom count

Answer

DSM-5 uses specifiers such as mild (2–3 criteria), moderate (4–5 criteria), and severe (6+ criteria) to characterize the intensity of a substance use disorder.

Question 3

When assessing a client from a culture where discussing substance use is highly stigmatized, the counselor's most effective adaptation is to:

Accepted Answer

Frame questions in culturally sensitive ways and build trust before exploring sensitive topics

Answer

Culturally adapted assessment involves using respectful, contextually appropriate language and establishing rapport before exploring stigmatized behaviors.

Question 4

The CAGE questionnaire's question 'Have you ever felt you needed to Cut down on your drinking?' primarily screens for which criterion?

Accepted Answer

Loss of control over use

Answer

The desire or failed attempts to cut down reflect loss of control over use, a core diagnostic criterion for alcohol use disorder.

Question 5

During assessment, a client discloses that they are currently experiencing suicidal ideation with a plan. According to ethical and legal standards, the counselor must:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a structured suicide risk assessment and take protective action if warranted

Answer

Active suicidal ideation with a plan requires an immediate, structured risk assessment to determine lethality and implement appropriate safety measures.

Master Addiction Counselor Exam Practice Test

Master Addiction Counselor Exam Practice Test

MAC Screening and Assessment 5