A PMHNP works at an inpatient substance use disorder facility that provides medically supervised detoxification services. Which of the following assessment tools is the facility most likely to utilize for clients seeking alcohol detoxification?
COWS
PHQ9
CIWA-Ar
CDT
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is used to assess symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is not appropriate for evaluating alcohol detoxification.
Choice B reason: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a screening tool for depression. While useful in psychiatric settings, it does not assess alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Choice C reason: The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA-Ar) is the gold standard tool for assessing alcohol withdrawal severity. It guides treatment decisions, including the use of benzodiazepines, and helps monitor progress during detoxification.
Choice D reason: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a biomarker used to detect chronic alcohol consumption. It is not a clinical assessment tool for withdrawal symptoms and is not used to guide detoxification protocols.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Scores of 0–3 on the Beck Hopelessness Scale are typically considered minimal risk. A score of 8 exceeds this range.
Choice B reason: Mild risk is generally associated with scores between 4–7. A score of 8 is above this threshold.
Choice C reason: A score of 8 on the Beck Hopelessness Scale falls within the moderate risk range. This level of hopelessness is clinically significant and correlates with increased suicide risk, especially in individuals with chronic depression.
Choice D reason: Severe risk is usually indicated by scores of 9 or higher. While 8 is close, it does not meet the threshold for severe classification.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A score of 12 on the AUDIT indicates hazardous or harmful alcohol use. No intervention would be inappropriate and neglectful of the clinical implications of the score.
Choice B reason: A score between 8 and 15 on the AUDIT suggests hazardous drinking. The recommended next step is a brief intervention, which involves structured advice or counseling aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing escalation.
Choice C reason: Detoxification assessment is appropriate for scores above 20 or when there are signs of physical dependence and withdrawal. A score of 12 does not automatically warrant detox evaluation.
Choice D reason: PEth testing is a biomarker for alcohol use but is not a standard follow-up for an AUDIT score of 12. It may be used in legal or forensic contexts but is not necessary in routine clinical practice at this stage.
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