CCN CCN Mental Health & Substance Abuse in Corrections

Question 1

Which screening tool is most commonly used in correctional settings to identify inmates at risk for suicide upon intake?

Accepted Answer

Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

Answer

Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)

Answer

PHQ-9

Answer

Hamilton Anxiety Scale

Question 2

A correctional nurse finds an inmate who is unresponsive after suspected opioid overdose. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Administer naloxone intranasally and call a code

Answer

Secure the cell and wait for custody staff

Answer

Start IV fluids immediately

Answer

Perform a full mental status exam

Question 3

Which of the following behaviors is a warning sign of imminent suicide risk in an incarcerated individual?

Accepted Answer

Giving away personal possessions

Answer

Requesting extra recreation time

Answer

Asking about visitation rules

Answer

Reporting improved sleep

Question 4

An inmate experiencing alcohol withdrawal on day 2 of incarceration develops tremors, diaphoresis, and a heart rate of 120 bpm. Which tool should the nurse use to assess severity?

Accepted Answer

Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar)

Answer

CAGE questionnaire

Answer

AUDIT-C

Answer

DSM-5 withdrawal criteria checklist

Question 5

Under the principle of equivalence of care in correctional nursing, what does this standard require?

Accepted Answer

Inmates must receive a level of care equivalent to what is available in the community

Answer

All inmates must receive identical treatment regardless of diagnosis

Answer

Custody staff must approve all clinical decisions

Answer

Mental health care is optional based on available funding

Question 6

Which medication is FDA-approved and most evidence-based for treating opioid use disorder in correctional settings?

Accepted Answer

Buprenorphine/naloxone (Suboxone)

Answer

Methadone alone

Answer

Naltrexone oral tablet

Answer

Clonidine