Using the CAGE instrument during an assessment, which of the following questions will the nurse ask the client?

A. "Do you consider yourself to be an alcoholic?": This is not part of the CAGE questionnaire. It may also provoke defensiveness, reducing the client’s willingness to provide honest answers about alcohol use. B. "How many drinks do you have in a typical week?": Questioning quantity and frequency of alcohol consumption is useful in screening but not a component of the CAGE tool. The CAGE focuses more on behaviors and feelings rather than numbers. C. "Have you ever required medical treatment for an illness related to alcohol use?": Addressing complications of alcohol use is not included in the CAGE screening. It is more relevant for assessing medical history than for initial alcohol misuse screening. D. "Have you ever felt like you should cut down on your drinking?": This is the first question in the CAGE instrument. It helps identify insight or concern about drinking behavior and is a key element in detecting potential alcohol use disorder.