COPE Health Scholars Practice Test

What is considered an incident that needs to be reported?

1. A scheduled procedure

2. An unexpected patient fall

3. A routine health check

4. A patient discharge

The correct answer is: An unexpected patient fall

An unexpected patient fall is considered an incident that needs to be reported because it represents an event that could compromise patient safety or care. Such incidents can lead to further complications, highlight gaps in safety protocols, and require evaluation to prevent future occurrences. Reporting these incidents is essential for maintaining high standards of care and for fostering an environment of continuous improvement within healthcare settings. Scheduled procedures, routine health checks, and patient discharges typically represent standard healthcare activities that are planned and managed, thus they do not require reporting as incidents. These activities are part of the regular care process and, unless complications or unexpected events arise during them, they do not fall under the category of incidents that typically require documentation or reporting.