Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How can one determine the contribution of mood disorders to substance use issues?

1. Assessing during periods of abstinence

2. Consulting family history of mood disorders

3. Observing social interactions

4. Analyzing the patient’s diet

The correct answer is: Assessing during periods of abstinence

Assessing during periods of abstinence is a highly effective way to determine the contribution of mood disorders to substance use issues. When individuals are abstinent from substances, they have an opportunity to reveal their underlying mood states without the influence of substances that may mask or alter their emotional responses. During this time, healthcare professionals can evaluate symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety, and observe any correlation between these symptoms and previous substance use. This assessment can provide insights into whether the substance use was an attempt to cope with mood disorders or whether the mood disorders developed as a result of substance use. The other options, while possibly useful in different contexts, do not provide as direct an assessment of the mood disorders' contribution to substance issues. Family history can indicate a predisposition to mood disorders, while observing social interactions may provide context regarding social functioning and support. Analyzing diet may uncover nutritional issues that could influence mental and physical health, but it is not a direct measure of mood disorders’ effects on substance use.