Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What is classified as an adverse event?

1. An event that enhances patient safety procedures

2. An event that resulted in patient harm

3. An event that has no effect on patient care

4. An event that is reported to the patient

The correct answer is: An event that resulted in patient harm

An event that resulted in patient harm is classified as an adverse event because it refers specifically to incidents that negatively impact a patient's health or well-being during the course of care. Adverse events can include medication errors, surgical complications, or infections acquired during hospitalization. The key aspect is that the event has outcomes that are detrimental, highlighting the need for improved practices in patient safety and quality of care. In healthcare, understanding and identifying adverse events is crucial for developing strategies to prevent them and enhance the overall safety of the healthcare system. This involves analyzing incidents to learn from them and implementing measures to mitigate the risks of similar events occurring in the future.