The patient provides three positive responses to items on the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) query. What interpretation should the nurse provide to the patient?

Choice A rationale While any positive response on the CAGE questionnaire could be a cause for concern and warrant further investigation, one positive response does not definitively indicate that the patient should seek help with alcohol addiction. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool used to identify potential problems with alcohol, but it is not diagnostic. A healthcare provider would need to conduct a more thorough assessment to diagnose alcohol addiction. Choice B rationale It is not necessary for all responses to the CAGE questionnaire to be positive in order to suggest alcohol dependence. The CAGE questionnaire is a screening tool, and while a greater number of positive responses increases the likelihood of alcohol dependence, it is not a requirement for all responses to be positive. A score of two or more is considered clinically significant. Choice C rationale The CAGE questionnaire is indeed a tool used to identify potential problems with alcohol, but it is not used to identify general substance abuse. The CAGE questionnaire specifically asks about feelings related to alcohol use. There are other screening tools available that are designed to identify issues with other substances. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. The CAGE questionnaire is a validated screening tool that is widely used in clinical settings to detect alcoholism. It is considered positive, and suggestive of alcohol dependence, if two or more questions are answered affirmatively.