Which statement accurately reflects USPSTF alcohol screening guidance?

Which statement accurately reflects USPSTF alcohol screening guidance?

• A. The screening applies only to nonpregnant adults
• B. The guidance excludes pregnant women from screening
• C. The screening applies to adults 18+ in primary care, including pregnant women
• D. The screening is not recommended in primary care settings

Answer: (C)

Universal screening for unhealthy alcohol use is recommended for all adults 18 years and older who present in primary care, and this includes pregnant women. The rationale is that screening in a routine care setting allows early identification of risky drinking and the opportunity to provide brief counseling that can reduce consumption and related harms for both the patient and, in pregnancy, the fetus. Clinicians typically use brief validated screening tools, and a positive screen prompts counseling or further referral as needed. This is why the statement that it applies to adults 18+ in primary care, including pregnant women, best reflects USPSTF guidance. It isn’t limited to nonpregnant adults, and it isn’t unsupported in primary care settings; it does include pregnant women.

Universal screening for unhealthy alcohol use is recommended for all adults 18 years and older who present in primary care, and this includes pregnant women. The rationale is that screening in a routine care setting allows early identification of risky drinking and the opportunity to provide brief counseling that can reduce consumption and related harms for both the patient and, in pregnancy, the fetus. Clinicians typically use brief validated screening tools, and a positive screen prompts counseling or further referral as needed. This is why the statement that it applies to adults 18+ in primary care, including pregnant women, best reflects USPSTF guidance. It isn’t limited to nonpregnant adults, and it isn’t unsupported in primary care settings; it does include pregnant women.