Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) Practice Exam

When should staff members be encouraged to stop and question a situation to reduce risk?

1. When something doesn't seem right.

2. When a protocol was not followed.

3. When a discrepancy has been confirmed.

4. When patient harm is likely.

The correct answer is: When something doesn't seem right.

Encouraging staff members to stop and question a situation when something doesn’t seem right is a fundamental aspect of fostering a culture of safety within healthcare organizations. This proactive approach empowers staff to raise concerns or seek clarification even if they are uncertain about the severity or implications of the situation. It emphasizes the importance of intuition and vigilance in patient safety, as many potentially harmful events can be prevented by addressing issues at their earliest signs. When staff members take a moment to pause and assess a situation that appears off or inconsistent, they create opportunities to identify risks, clarify misunderstandings, and ultimately protect patient safety. This approach encourages open communication and collaboration among team members, allowing for a collective commitment to safety and quality care. The other options present scenarios that might warrant questioning a situation but are reactive in nature. Waiting for protocols to be violated, discrepancies to be confirmed, or for patient harm to become likely can lead to preventable adverse events. Encouraging staff to trust their instincts when something seems off helps identify and mitigate risks proactively.