Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

In a change-of-shift report, which information should be included in the background segment of SBAR for a client with a traumatic brain injury?

1. Current medications

2. Intracranial pressure readings

3. Code status

4. Plan of care changes

The correct answer is: Code status

The background segment of SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is designed to provide context and relevant details that help the receiving caregiver understand the patient's current situation. For a client with a traumatic brain injury, the background information should include vital details that reflect the patient's history and current status impacting their care. In this context, code status is crucial information because it informs the clinical team about the patient's wishes regarding resuscitation efforts in the event of a cardiac or respiratory failure. This is particularly significant for a patient with a traumatic brain injury, who may be at higher risk for sudden clinical deterioration. Knowing the code status ensures that care aligns with the patient’s preferences and that all team members are aware of the approach to take during emergencies. Other options, while important, do not fit the specific purpose of the background segment in the SBAR format. Current medications, intracranial pressure readings, and plan of care changes are more likely to fall under the assessment or recommendation segments, where clinical findings and care strategies are discussed in detail. These details are important but do not provide the essential background context necessary for understanding the patient's overall clinical picture and their advanced care planning.