Clinical Decisions

Now that you're familiar with what to do for different screening results, let's try assessing risk based on the result of a screen.

CHANGE CONCEPT: Ensure capacity for evidence-based response based on screen results.

Question 1:

Identify the correct response for the risk level described.

Sarah is a 17-year-old senior. Her screening results showed alcohol use once or twice in the last year (i.e., low-risk). What should you do?

1. Engage in a brief intervention and referral for further support.
2. Give an affirmation for not drinking much and brief advice to abstain.
3. Explain that you have to tell her parents about the drinking.
4. Continue her appointment without addressing the screening.

The correct answer is B. Sarah uses very rarely, so she does not require a brief intervention. However, she does use occasionally, so brief advice is appropriate.

Question 2:

Identify the correct response for the risk level described.

Spencer is a 16-year-old who works part-time at a local fast food restaurant. His screening showed no use of substances in the past year. What should you do?

1. Continue his appointment without addressing the screening.
2. Positively reinforce his decision to not drink or use drugs.
3. Engage in a brief intervention.
4. Tell his parents that he has lied on his screening.

The correct answer is B. Since Spencer is not using any drugs or alcohol, giving him positive reinforcement for his decisions will help him continue his abstinence