COHN Occupational Case Management Questions and Answers

Question 1

An employee has been out of work for three weeks following a back injury sustained at work.
The occupational health nurse, acting as a case manager, is developing a return-to-work (RTW) plan.
Which of the following is the MOST critical initial step in this process?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining a detailed medical report and work restrictions from the treating physician.

Answer

Scheduling a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) to determine the employee's maximum work abilities.

Answer

Meeting with the employee's supervisor to discuss potential modified duty assignments.

Answer

Filing the necessary paperwork for short-term disability benefits.

Question 2

What is the primary goal of occupational case management from the employer's perspective?

Accepted Answer

To minimize the employee's time away from work and control associated costs.

Answer

To ensure the employee receives the most advanced medical treatment available.

Answer

To strictly enforce company attendance policies.

Answer

To gather information for potential disciplinary action.

Question 3

An employee with a history of anxiety requests a modified work schedule as an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the case manager, what is the occupational health nurse's initial responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Engage in an interactive process with the employee to understand the limitations and explore reasonable accommodations.

Answer

Immediately grant the request to avoid potential litigation.

Answer

Request access to the employee's complete psychiatric medical history.

Answer

Inform the employee that mental health conditions are not covered by the ADA.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key function of an occupational health nurse in the role of a case manager?

Accepted Answer

Coordinating communication between the employee, healthcare providers, and the employer.

Answer

Prescribing medication for the injured employee.

Answer

Representing the employee in legal disputes with the insurance company.

Answer

Determining the final disability rating for a workers' compensation claim.

Question 5

A manufacturing employee is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition potentially aggravated by their job tasks. In managing this case, the occupational health nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Accepted Answer

Conducting an ergonomic assessment of the employee's workstation.

Answer

Advising the employee to seek employment in a different industry.

Answer

Recommending immediate surgery to resolve the condition.

Answer

Placing the employee on indefinite medical leave.

Question 6

The effectiveness of an occupational case management program is best measured by which combination of outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Reduced lost workdays, lower workers' compensation costs, and successful return-to-work rates.

Answer

The number of litigated claims and the total cost of prescription medications.

Answer

Employee satisfaction surveys and the number of grievances filed.

Answer

The total number of cases managed and the frequency of medical appointments.