Disability and Return-to-Work Flashcards
7 cards from real COHN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Disability and Return-to-Work flashcards as text
When an employee's physician releases them to 'modified duty' but the employer has no modified positions available, the COHN should FIRST:
Answer: Consult with management to explore creative job modifications or temporary reassignments
The COHN should work proactively with management to identify possible modifications, temporary reassignments, or job restructuring before concluding no options exist.
Which factor is MOST predictive of a prolonged disability and delayed return to work?
Answer: Psychosocial factors such as fear-avoidance beliefs, job dissatisfaction, and depression
Research consistently shows that psychosocial factors — including fear of re-injury, depression, job dissatisfaction, and poor social support — are the strongest predictors of prolonged disability.
Under HIPAA, an occupational health nurse may share an employee's medical information with the employer:
Answer: Only work-related medical information necessary for determining work restrictions and accommodations
Under HIPAA and ADA, only work-relevant medical information (work restrictions, accommodation needs) may be shared with the employer; diagnostic details remain confidential.
A 'job analysis' in occupational health is best described as:
Answer: A systematic documentation of the physical, environmental, and cognitive demands of a specific job
A job analysis systematically documents the essential functions, physical demands, environmental conditions, and cognitive requirements of a specific position.
Which of the following best describes the 'disability prevention' philosophy in occupational health nursing?
Answer: Proactively addressing risk factors and intervening early to prevent injury progression into chronic disability
Disability prevention involves early intervention, addressing psychosocial barriers, and proactive case management to prevent acute injuries from becoming chronic disabilities.
An employee with a shoulder injury is cleared for modified duty but refuses to return, citing fear of re-injury. What is the COHN's BEST initial response?
Answer: Conduct a motivational interview to explore concerns and provide education about safe return to work
Motivational interviewing and education address fear-avoidance beliefs compassionately and are the most effective initial approaches to overcome psychological barriers to RTW.
In the context of return-to-work, 'vocational rehabilitation' is MOST appropriate when:
Answer: The employee cannot return to their pre-injury occupation and needs retraining or job placement
Vocational rehabilitation is indicated when a worker's permanent restrictions prevent return to their former occupation and they need retraining, education, or job placement assistance.