Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

During a patient assessment, which behavior would most likely indicate a potential issue with substance abuse?

1. Maintaining regular appointments

2. Sudden changes in mood

3. Consistent follow-up

4. Engaging in healthy lifestyle choices

The correct answer is: Sudden changes in mood

Sudden changes in mood are often associated with potential substance abuse issues because these alterations can be indicative of an individual's struggle to manage their emotions, which can be affected by the use of addictive substances. For example, a person may experience periods of heightened irritability, anxiety, or depression alongside their usage, which may manifest as unpredictable or extreme mood swings. In contrast, behaviors such as maintaining regular appointments, consistent follow-up, and engaging in healthy lifestyle choices typically reflect a stable and proactive approach to health management and are not usually associated with substance abuse. Individuals who are actively involved in their health care and making positive lifestyle choices tend to indicate a level of self-care and responsibility that is less common among those struggling with substance-related issues.