Challenge Your Exam Readiness With Our Free NCAC II Practice Questions

During admission, screening determines urgency, safety, and appropriate level of care. Daily opioid use with current withdrawal signs, recent last use, and a history of overdose represents high medical and safety risk. NCAC II competencies direct counselors to prioritize stabilization needs and rapid linkage to medically appropriate services before routine intake. Option C accomplishes this by arranging evaluation for withdrawal management and overdose risk mitigation, potentially including medication for opioid use disorder as ordered by a qualified prescriber. Warm handoffs (direct contact with receiving providers while the client is present/on the line) improve follow-through. Option A delays care in a high-risk situation. Option B offers education without addressing acute risk. Option D is unsafe and outside scope. Screening should also include a brief safety check (suicidality, polysubstance use such as benzodiazepines), explain confidentiality and consent, and document the referral path. After stabilization, the client can return for comprehensive intake and collaborative treatment planning informed by clinical findings.