Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What factor significantly affects thermal environmental comfort in a healthcare setting according to ASHRAE standards?

1. Room color and decor

2. Personal factors and indoor space environment

3. Type of medical equipment used

4. Number of patients in the facility

The correct answer is: Personal factors and indoor space environment

The correct answer identifies personal factors and the indoor space environment as significant influences on thermal environmental comfort in healthcare settings, according to ASHRAE standards. This emphasis on both the environment and individual characteristics highlights the complex interplay between a person’s physiological responses to temperature, humidity, and air quality, as well as the impacts of the physical space itself. In a healthcare facility, patients and staff may have varying thermal comfort needs based on their age, health status, and activity levels. For example, a patient who is less mobile or experiencing illness may have different comfort requirements than a healthcare worker actively moving around. Additionally, the characteristics of the indoor space—such as insulation, ventilation, and the design of the heating and cooling systems—significantly determine the overall thermal comfort experienced by individuals within that space. Adhering to ASHRAE standards, which are designed to optimize indoor environments, is crucial for ensuring that both patients and healthcare providers are comfortable, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of care provided in a healthcare setting.