Certified AddiCtion registered nurse (CArn)
exAm 2025–2026 LAtest updAted study guide |
Comprehensive CArn CertifiCAtion prep with
verified prACtiCe Questions, detAiLed
rAtionALes, evidenCe-BAsed AddiCtion nursing
ConCepts, And exAm suCCess strAtegies
Sample CARN Exam Questions
1. Which of the following is a common symptom of opioid withdrawal?
a) Increased energy
b) Constipation
c) Tachycardia
d) Euphoria
Correct Option: c) Tachycardia
Rationale:
Opioid withdrawal symptoms often include tachycardia, which is the body's response to
decreased opioid levels. In contrast, increased energy and euphoria are typically associated with
opioid use and not withdrawal. Constipation is a common effect of opioid use due to its slowing
effect on gastrointestinal motility, but it is not a withdrawal symptom.
2. Which of the following medications is not typically prescribed for alcohol withdrawal
management?
a) Diazepam
b) Naltrexone
c) Lorazepam
d) Clonidine
Correct Option: b) Naltrexone
Rationale:
Naltrexone is primarily used for relapse prevention in individuals recovering from alcohol
dependence, but it is not indicated for the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Diazepam and lorazepam are benzodiazepines that help manage withdrawal symptoms, while
clonidine can alleviate certain autonomic symptoms, but naltrexone's role comes into play post-
withdrawal for maintaining abstinence.
, 3. Which assessment finding in a patient undergoing treatment for substance use disorder
indicates potential complications?
a) Increased appetite
b) Heightened emotional responsiveness
c) Withdrawal seizures
d) Improved social interactions
Correct Option: c) Withdrawal seizures
Rationale:
Withdrawal seizures are a critical indicator of potential complications during the treatment of
substance use disorders, especially with substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, where
withdrawal can be life-threatening. Increased appetite and improved social interactions indicate
positive progress, and heightened emotional responsiveness may just reflect the patient's
emotional adjustment during recovery.
4. In the context of motivational interviewing, which of the following techniques is
primarily used to enhance a patient's intrinsic motivation to change?
a) Confronting discrepancies
b) Advising the patient
c) Offering solutions
d) Summarizing patient statements
Correct Option: a) Confronting discrepancies
Rationale:
Confronting discrepancies involves addressing the gap between a patient’s current behavior and
their personal goals or values, which enhances intrinsic motivation to change. Rather than
offering advice or solutions, motivational interviewing emphasizes understanding the patient's
perspective and encouraging them to consider their positions and motivations, making
confrontation of discrepancies a powerful tool in fostering change.
5. Which statement best describes the concept of harm reduction in addiction nursing?
a) It encourages complete abstinence from all substances.
b) It accepts that some patients may not be ready to quit and focuses on minimizing harm
associated with drug use.
c) It promotes the use of medications as the sole treatment method.
d) It is only applicable to illicit drug users and not to those with alcohol use disorder.
Correct Option: b) It accepts that some patients may not be ready to quit and focuses on
minimizing harm associated with drug use.
exAm 2025–2026 LAtest updAted study guide |
Comprehensive CArn CertifiCAtion prep with
verified prACtiCe Questions, detAiLed
rAtionALes, evidenCe-BAsed AddiCtion nursing
ConCepts, And exAm suCCess strAtegies
Sample CARN Exam Questions
1. Which of the following is a common symptom of opioid withdrawal?
a) Increased energy
b) Constipation
c) Tachycardia
d) Euphoria
Correct Option: c) Tachycardia
Rationale:
Opioid withdrawal symptoms often include tachycardia, which is the body's response to
decreased opioid levels. In contrast, increased energy and euphoria are typically associated with
opioid use and not withdrawal. Constipation is a common effect of opioid use due to its slowing
effect on gastrointestinal motility, but it is not a withdrawal symptom.
2. Which of the following medications is not typically prescribed for alcohol withdrawal
management?
a) Diazepam
b) Naltrexone
c) Lorazepam
d) Clonidine
Correct Option: b) Naltrexone
Rationale:
Naltrexone is primarily used for relapse prevention in individuals recovering from alcohol
dependence, but it is not indicated for the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Diazepam and lorazepam are benzodiazepines that help manage withdrawal symptoms, while
clonidine can alleviate certain autonomic symptoms, but naltrexone's role comes into play post-
withdrawal for maintaining abstinence.
, 3. Which assessment finding in a patient undergoing treatment for substance use disorder
indicates potential complications?
a) Increased appetite
b) Heightened emotional responsiveness
c) Withdrawal seizures
d) Improved social interactions
Correct Option: c) Withdrawal seizures
Rationale:
Withdrawal seizures are a critical indicator of potential complications during the treatment of
substance use disorders, especially with substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, where
withdrawal can be life-threatening. Increased appetite and improved social interactions indicate
positive progress, and heightened emotional responsiveness may just reflect the patient's
emotional adjustment during recovery.
4. In the context of motivational interviewing, which of the following techniques is
primarily used to enhance a patient's intrinsic motivation to change?
a) Confronting discrepancies
b) Advising the patient
c) Offering solutions
d) Summarizing patient statements
Correct Option: a) Confronting discrepancies
Rationale:
Confronting discrepancies involves addressing the gap between a patient’s current behavior and
their personal goals or values, which enhances intrinsic motivation to change. Rather than
offering advice or solutions, motivational interviewing emphasizes understanding the patient's
perspective and encouraging them to consider their positions and motivations, making
confrontation of discrepancies a powerful tool in fostering change.
5. Which statement best describes the concept of harm reduction in addiction nursing?
a) It encourages complete abstinence from all substances.
b) It accepts that some patients may not be ready to quit and focuses on minimizing harm
associated with drug use.
c) It promotes the use of medications as the sole treatment method.
d) It is only applicable to illicit drug users and not to those with alcohol use disorder.
Correct Option: b) It accepts that some patients may not be ready to quit and focuses on
minimizing harm associated with drug use.
