A 33-year-old male client scored 12 on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). What is the next step for the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner who administered the test?

Choice A reason: A score of 12 on the AUDIT indicates hazardous or harmful alcohol use. No intervention would be inappropriate and neglectful of the clinical implications of the score. Choice B reason: A score between 8 and 15 on the AUDIT suggests hazardous drinking. The recommended next step is a brief intervention, which involves structured advice or counseling aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing escalation. Choice C reason: Detoxification assessment is appropriate for scores above 20 or when there are signs of physical dependence and withdrawal. A score of 12 does not automatically warrant detox evaluation. Choice D reason: PEth testing is a biomarker for alcohol use but is not a standard follow-up for an AUDIT score of 12. It may be used in legal or forensic contexts but is not necessary in routine clinical practice at this stage.