A nurse is working with a client who has systemic lupus erythematosus and recently lost her health insurance. Which of the following is an appropriate action by the nurse in the implementation phase of the case management process?

• A. Coordinating services to meet the clients needs
• B. Comparing outcomes with original goals
• C. Determining the clients financial constraints
• D. Clarifying roles of interprofessional team members

Answer: (A)

In case management, the implementation phase is about translating the care plan into concrete actions by coordinating services to meet the client’s needs. For a client with systemic lupus erythematosus who has just lost health insurance, this means actively linking her with resources to maintain access to care and medications. The nurse would coordinate with social services and care teams to explore options such as public insurance programs or patient-assistance plans, arrange referrals to appropriate clinics and rheumatology follow-up, facilitate medication access through pharmacies or assistance programs, and organize transportation and other supports to ensure timely, continuous care. This hands-on coordination embodies putting the plan into action and removing barriers to care.

Determining the client’s financial constraints is typically addressed during assessment and planning, not the execution of the plan. Comparing outcomes with original goals occurs during the evaluation phase to determine if the plan worked. Clarifying roles of interprofessional team members is part of planning and team development, shaping how the team will work together rather than implementing the specific services the client needs.