Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) Practice Exam

Which of the following issues contributed to human factors problems in a nursing incident?

1. Fatigue

2. Reliance on memory

3. Hand-off problems

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The correct answer is that all of the issues listed contributed to human factors problems in a nursing incident. Each of these factors is well-documented in patient safety literature as a contributor to errors and complications in healthcare settings. Fatigue is a critical issue in nursing that can significantly impair judgment, slow reaction times, and reduce the ability to concentrate. When nurses are overworked or do not have adequate rest, their performance levels can drop, leading to a higher likelihood of making mistakes. Reliance on memory is another significant issue that affects human factors in healthcare. In high-pressure environments where quick recall of information is necessary, there is a risk of forgetting essential details or instructions, especially if there is no adequate system in place to support memory, such as checklists or electronic health records. Hand-off problems refer to the challenges associated with transferring patient information from one caregiver to another. Inadequate communication during these transitions can lead to misunderstandings, missing information, or misinterpretation of the patient's status, all of which can contribute to adverse events. Each of these issues individually can lead to human factors problems; therefore, collectively, they highlight the multifaceted nature of safety challenges in nursing incidents. Recognizing how these factors interconnect and impact patient safety is crucial for