Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What factor should be prioritized in a nursing plan when a client exhibits confusion?

1. Review current medications

2. Encourage family visits

3. Assess for falls risk

4. Schedule a social worker appointment

The correct answer is: Assess for falls risk

When a client exhibits confusion, prioritizing the assessment for falls risk is of utmost importance. Confusion can significantly impair a person's ability to navigate their environment safely, increasing the likelihood of falls, which can lead to serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma. By identifying and addressing falls risk, the care manager can implement preventative measures, such as ensuring the environment is free of hazards or using assistive devices when necessary. While reviewing current medications can be important, especially since some medications may contribute to confusion, the immediate risk posed by potential falls must take precedence. Encouraging family visits can provide emotional support for the client but does not directly address the safety concerns associated with confusion. Similarly, scheduling a social worker appointment is valuable for overall care coordination and psychosocial support, but ensuring the client’s physical safety through falls risk assessment should be the primary focus.