Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What type of healthcare violent injuries are prevalent by cause?

1. Robbery-related violence

2. Patient-related aggression

3. Staff-on-staff violence

4. Visitor-related incidents

The correct answer is: Patient-related aggression

Patient-related aggression is a significant concern in healthcare settings and is often cited as one of the most prevalent causes of violent injuries. This type of violence can stem from various factors, including a patient’s medical condition, medication side effects, mental health issues, or extreme distress related to pain or fear. The healthcare environment can be particularly vulnerable, as patients may be in vulnerable conditions that can lead to unpredictable behavior. Understanding that patient-related aggression occurs frequently helps healthcare professionals anticipate and mitigate risks. Measures can be implemented such as training staff in de-escalation techniques, ensuring a safer physical environment, and establishing clear protocols for managing aggressive behavior. Effective strategies not only improve staff safety but also enhance patient care and overall institutional safety. While robbery-related violence, staff-on-staff violence, and visitor-related incidents do occur in healthcare facilities, research and data indicate that the majority of violent incidents are typically linked to patient interactions. Focusing on addressing and preventing patient-related aggression thus becomes a top priority for fostering a safe healthcare environment.