A PMHNP works at an inpatient substance use disorder facility that provides medically supervised detoxification services. Which of the following assessment tools is the facility most likely to utilize for clients seeking alcohol detoxification?

Choice A reason: The Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS) is used to assess symptoms of opioid withdrawal. It is not appropriate for evaluating alcohol detoxification. Choice B reason: The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a screening tool for depression. While useful in psychiatric settings, it does not assess alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Choice C reason: The Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Revised (CIWA-Ar) is the gold standard tool for assessing alcohol withdrawal severity. It guides treatment decisions, including the use of benzodiazepines, and helps monitor progress during detoxification. Choice D reason: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) is a biomarker used to detect chronic alcohol consumption. It is not a clinical assessment tool for withdrawal symptoms and is not used to guide detoxification protocols.