A 33-year-old male client presents to the PMHNP with a chief complaint of depression. During the evaluation he states that he drinks "up to 3 beers nightly.” He has a positive CAGE test and agrees to a longer screening tool for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Which of the following is the most appropriate?

Choice A reason: CIWA-AR is used to assess and monitor alcohol withdrawal symptoms in patients undergoing detoxification. It is not a screening tool for identifying alcohol use disorder. Choice B reason: T-ACE is a brief screening tool often used in prenatal settings. While useful, it is not as comprehensive as AUDIT for general adult populations. Choice C reason: SBIRT is a framework for screening and intervention but does not refer to a specific diagnostic tool. It includes the use of validated instruments like AUDIT. Choice D reason: AUDIT is a validated, comprehensive screening tool developed by the World Health Organization to identify alcohol use disorders. It assesses consumption, dependence symptoms, and alcohol-related problems, making it the most appropriate choice.