A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about the roles and responsibilities of a case manager. Which of the following responsibilities should the nurse include?

The correct answer is b. Misunderstanding of roles.

Choice A: Scope of practice

Reason: While the scope of practice defines the roles and responsibilities of different healthcare professionals, it is not inherently a barrier to interprofessional communication. Instead, it provides clarity on what each professional can and cannot do, which can actually facilitate better teamwork and communication.

Choice B: Misunderstanding of roles

Reason: Misunderstanding of roles is a significant barrier to interprofessional communication. When team members are unclear about each other’s roles and responsibilities, it can lead to confusion, overlap, and gaps in care. This misunderstanding can hinder effective collaboration and communication, as team members may not know who to turn to for specific issues or may duplicate efforts.

Choice C: Privacy laws

Reason: Privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the United States, are designed to protect patient information. While they impose certain restrictions on information sharing, they are not a primary barrier to interprofessional communication. Healthcare teams can still communicate effectively within the boundaries of these laws by ensuring that patient information is shared appropriately and securely.

Choice D: Burnout

Reason: Burnout is a significant issue in healthcare, affecting the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals. However, it is more of a personal and systemic issue rather than a direct barrier to interprofessional communication. Burnout can indirectly affect communication by reducing the overall effectiveness and engagement of team members.

Choice A reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Increase in saliva production does not increase the risk for dehydration, but rather helps to moisten the mouth and facilitate swallowing and digestion. Saliva production may decrease with aging due to factors such as medication side effects, dry mouth, or reduced fluid intake.

Choice B reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Decrease in systolic blood pressure does not increase the risk for dehydration, but rather indicates a lower force of blood against the artery walls. Systolic blood pressure may decrease with aging due to factors such as reduced cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, or orthostatic hypotension.

Choice C reason: This statement is true and should be included in the teaching. Decrease in kidney function increases the risk for dehydration, as it reduces the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine and conserve water. Kidney function may decrease with aging due to factors such as reduced blood flow, decreased glomerular filtration rate, or loss of nephrons.

Choice D reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Increase in percentage of body water does not increase the risk for dehydration, but rather indicates a higher proportion of water in relation to body weight. Percentage of body water may decrease with aging due to factors such as loss of muscle mass, increased fat tissue, or hormonal changes.