Care Manager Certification Practice Exam

What is a likely reason for an older adult client flinching during an abdominal examination while appearing confused?

1. He is hard of hearing

2. Pain

3. Confusion

4. Language barrier

The correct answer is: Confusion

In this scenario, the older adult client flinching during an abdominal examination suggests a possible physical response to discomfort or pain. If confusion accompanies the flinching behavior, it may indicate that the client is unable to fully comprehend the examination process or the reasons behind it. The combination of physical reactions and cognitive confusion could lead to a heightened sense of anxiety or fear about the examination itself. When considering the other options, it's important to note that while being hard of hearing, experiencing pain, or facing a language barrier could affect a client's experience during a medical examination, these factors do not necessarily explain both the physical flinch and the confusion simultaneously. The confusion might amplify any sense of vulnerability the client feels during an examination, leading to a protective response like flinching. Therefore, recognizing confusion as a factor acknowledges the complexity of the client's psychological and physical states during care.