FREE CARN Co-Occurring Disorders Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with known bipolar I disorder and alcohol use disorder presents to the emergency department in a manic state, exhibiting agitation and paranoia. What is the CARN's initial priority action?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the safety of the patient and the clinical environment.

Answer

Obtain a detailed history of the patient's substance use.

Answer

Administer a long-acting antipsychotic as ordered.

Answer

Initiate a protocol for alcohol withdrawal.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best defines the 'integrated treatment' model, which is considered the gold standard for co-occurring disorders?

Accepted Answer

Services for both the mental health and substance use disorders are provided concurrently by the same team in the same location.

Answer

The patient's most severe disorder is treated to remission before the second disorder is addressed.

Answer

The patient sees a psychiatrist for medication and is referred to a separate addiction counselor for substance use therapy.

Answer

The patient must complete a detoxification program before becoming eligible for mental health services.

Question 3

A patient with a history of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and cocaine use disorder reports experiencing persistent anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. To differentiate between GAD symptoms and cocaine withdrawal, which assessment question is most critical for the nurse to ask?

Accepted Answer

"Can you describe the timeline of when you last used cocaine and when these specific symptoms began?"

Answer

"Have you ever been prescribed anxiolytic medication before?"

Answer

"Does anyone in your family have a history of anxiety or addiction?"

Answer

"On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your current level of anxiety?"

Question 4

When treating a patient with co-occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), which class of medication should be avoided or used with extreme caution for managing anxiety symptoms due to its high potential for misuse?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Prazosin

Question 5

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based practice frequently used for individuals with complex co-occurring disorders. It is particularly effective for patients who primarily exhibit which cluster of symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and self-harm behaviors.

Answer

Social isolation, anhedonia, and low motivation.

Answer

Grandiose thinking, racing thoughts, and a decreased need for sleep.

Answer

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive, ritualistic behaviors.

Question 6

When comparing the prognosis of individuals with a single substance use disorder to those with a co-occurring SUD and a mental health disorder, the presence of the dual diagnosis is most strongly associated with which outcome?

Accepted Answer

Increased rates of relapse, hospitalization, and homelessness.

Answer

A faster response to initial pharmacological treatment.

Answer

Lower overall lifetime healthcare costs.

Answer

A higher rate of successfully completing treatment programs.