Addiction Assessment & Diagnosis Flashcards

Which withdrawal syndrome is considered the most medically dangerous and potentially life-threatening?

Answer: Alcohol withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can progress to delirium tremens with seizures and autonomic instability, making it potentially fatal without treatment.

A nurse uses the Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS). A score of 25 indicates which severity level?

Answer: Severe withdrawal

On the COWS, a score of 25 falls in the severe withdrawal range (scores ≥25 = severe).

Which DSM-5 specifier indicates that a patient with substance use disorder has been abstinent for more than 12 months?

Answer: In sustained remission

Sustained remission is specified when no SUD criteria have been met for 12 months or longer.

Which finding on the CIWA-Ar scale would most urgently prompt a nurse to administer as-needed benzodiazepines?

Answer: Score of 18 with agitation and perceptual disturbances

A CIWA-Ar score of 18 with agitation and perceptual disturbances indicates severe withdrawal requiring immediate pharmacological intervention.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is based on which theoretical foundation?

Answer: Transtheoretical model and person-centered counseling

MI integrates the transtheoretical model's stages of change with Carl Rogers' person-centered, empathic counseling approach.

A patient admits to using heroin but denies having a problem because 'everyone in my neighborhood does it.' This defense mechanism is best described as:

Answer: Rationalization

Rationalization involves providing logical-sounding justifications (social normalization) to excuse problematic behavior.

Which assessment tool is specifically validated to screen for substance use disorders in pregnant women?

Answer: TWEAK

The TWEAK screening tool was specifically developed and validated for detecting risk drinking in pregnant women.