CARN - Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities Questions and Answers

Question 1

A client in early recovery for alcohol use disorder states, "I had a terrible day at work, so I absolutely deserve to have a few drinks to unwind." Which Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) technique would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in response?

Accepted Answer

Assist the client in identifying and challenging this cognitive distortion.

Answer

The client's statement, "I deserve a drink," is a cognitive distortion known as justification. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying, challenging, and restructuring these unhelpful thought patterns that lead to maladaptive behaviors like substance use. The most appropriate CBT intervention is to help the client recognize this thought as a distortion and challenge its validity.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching distress tolerance skills from a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) framework to a client who experiences overwhelming cravings for stimulants. Which of the following skills would be most appropriate to use for immediate, short-term crisis management?

Accepted Answer

Using the TIPP skills (Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, Paired muscle relaxation).

Answer

The TIPP skills are a core component of the distress tolerance module in DBT, designed to rapidly de-escalate emotional crises by changing the body's physiology. These skills, such as splashing cold water on the face (Temperature) or doing quick, intense exercise, are highly effective for managing overwhelming urges and cravings in the moment.

Question 3

During a process group for individuals with substance use disorders, one member consistently offers unsolicited advice to others, saying things like, "What you should do is..." What is the most therapeutic action for the nurse facilitator to take?

Accepted Answer

Gently redirect the member to share from their own experience using "I" statements.

Answer

A key role of a group facilitator is to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment where members learn from each other's experiences. Giving advice is generally discouraged in process groups because it can create a hierarchical dynamic and shut down exploration. The most effective in-the-moment intervention is to redirect the member from giving advice to sharing their own relevant experiences, often by encouraging the use of "I" statements.

Question 4

Which of the following is a core principle of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) when establishing a therapeutic environment for clients with substance use disorders?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing physical and psychological safety in all interactions and environments.

Answer

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a primary and foundational principle of a trauma-informed approach is ensuring the physical and psychological safety of clients and staff. This creates an environment where healing is possible and seeks to actively avoid re-traumatization.

Question 5

A nurse is educating the spouse of a person with a severe alcohol use disorder who is resistant to treatment. The nurse introduces the Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) model. What is the primary goal of this modality for the spouse?

Accepted Answer

To learn skills that positively reinforce sobriety and encourage the person to enter treatment.

Answer

The Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT) model is an evidence-based therapy that teaches concerned significant others (CSOs) positive, non-confrontational strategies to influence their loved one's behavior. The three main goals are to help the person reduce their substance use, engage them in treatment, and improve the CSO's own quality of life. It focuses on positive reinforcement and communication, rather than confrontation or detachment.

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

(CARN) Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Practice Test

CARN - Certified Addictions Registered Nurse Counseling and Therapeutic Modalities Questions and Answers