CPPS (CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN
PATIENT SAFETY) PRACTICE EXAM 2026
|32 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT
Question 1
You are educating clinical managers in your healthcare facility on how to
identify appropriate events for conducting a Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Which event provides the best opportunity for an RCA?
a. A post-op patient removes his own IV causing a skin tear from the tape
b. A patient with no known allergies experiences an anaphylactic reaction
to an antibiotic requiring transfer to ICU
c. The biopsy samples from a colonoscopy are never received by
pathology after the procedure
d. There have been 3 occurrences of depressed respirations in the same
department in the last 4 months related to sedation
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
An RCA is most appropriate for serious safety events involving system
breakdowns rather than isolated clinical complications. The loss of biopsy
specimens represents a clear failure in a process involving handoffs,
specimen tracking, and accountability. This type of event allows
organizations to examine latent system flaws that could affect multiple
patients. Addressing process failures helps prevent recurrence and
improves reliability across the system.
Question 2
The instrument count is incorrect at the conclusion of a surgical
procedure. Hospital policy does not require the surgeon to remain on site
until imaging is obtained. The surgeon leaves to catch a flight, and an x-
ray later reveals a retained instrument. Another surgeon removes it. What
should leadership do next?
,a. Create a process map of how instruments are managed during surgery
b. Revise the hospital policy requiring surgeons to remain until counts are
resolved
c. Counsel the surgeon about customary clinical standards using an
accountability system
d. Reeducate OR nursing staff on tracking instruments
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
While system improvements may be needed later, immediate leadership
action should address individual accountability when professional
standards are violated. Surgeons are responsible for ensuring patient
safety before leaving the operative environment. Using a just culture
framework allows leaders to address behavioral expectations without
assigning blame unfairly. This ensures accountability while maintaining
trust and professionalism.
Question 3
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit does not comply with barcode
medication administration (BCMA) while caring for a patient. What should
the supervisor do first?
a. Ask staff if there are adequate scanners to meet their needs
b. Discipline the nurse for noncompliance
c. File a report with human resources
d. Reassign the nurse to a different unit
Correct Answer: a
Rationale:
The first step in addressing unsafe behavior is to determine whether
system barriers contributed to the deviation. Equipment availability,
usability, and workflow issues often lead staff to develop workarounds.
Addressing system constraints demonstrates a commitment to safety and
fairness. Discipline should only occur after ruling out system-related
contributors.
, Question 4
Which event is considered a sentinel event?
a. A patient falls without injury
b. Delay in lab result reporting
c. Surgery performed on the wrong site
d. A patient refuses medication
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
Sentinel events involve unexpected occurrences resulting in death or
serious physical or psychological injury. Wrong-site surgery represents a
serious, preventable error with high risk of harm. Such events require
immediate investigation and organizational response. They also mandate
leadership involvement and often regulatory reporting.
Question 5
Which principle best supports a Just Culture approach?
a. Zero tolerance for all errors
b. Holding individuals accountable for system failures
c. Differentiating between human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless
behavior
d. Eliminating reporting of near misses
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
Just Culture recognizes that not all errors result from negligence or
misconduct. Differentiating behaviors allows organizations to respond
appropriately—console human error, coach at-risk behavior, and discipline
reckless actions. This approach encourages transparency and reporting. It
balances accountability with learning.
PATIENT SAFETY) PRACTICE EXAM 2026
|32 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 100%
CORRECT
Question 1
You are educating clinical managers in your healthcare facility on how to
identify appropriate events for conducting a Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
Which event provides the best opportunity for an RCA?
a. A post-op patient removes his own IV causing a skin tear from the tape
b. A patient with no known allergies experiences an anaphylactic reaction
to an antibiotic requiring transfer to ICU
c. The biopsy samples from a colonoscopy are never received by
pathology after the procedure
d. There have been 3 occurrences of depressed respirations in the same
department in the last 4 months related to sedation
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
An RCA is most appropriate for serious safety events involving system
breakdowns rather than isolated clinical complications. The loss of biopsy
specimens represents a clear failure in a process involving handoffs,
specimen tracking, and accountability. This type of event allows
organizations to examine latent system flaws that could affect multiple
patients. Addressing process failures helps prevent recurrence and
improves reliability across the system.
Question 2
The instrument count is incorrect at the conclusion of a surgical
procedure. Hospital policy does not require the surgeon to remain on site
until imaging is obtained. The surgeon leaves to catch a flight, and an x-
ray later reveals a retained instrument. Another surgeon removes it. What
should leadership do next?
,a. Create a process map of how instruments are managed during surgery
b. Revise the hospital policy requiring surgeons to remain until counts are
resolved
c. Counsel the surgeon about customary clinical standards using an
accountability system
d. Reeducate OR nursing staff on tracking instruments
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
While system improvements may be needed later, immediate leadership
action should address individual accountability when professional
standards are violated. Surgeons are responsible for ensuring patient
safety before leaving the operative environment. Using a just culture
framework allows leaders to address behavioral expectations without
assigning blame unfairly. This ensures accountability while maintaining
trust and professionalism.
Question 3
A nurse on a medical-surgical unit does not comply with barcode
medication administration (BCMA) while caring for a patient. What should
the supervisor do first?
a. Ask staff if there are adequate scanners to meet their needs
b. Discipline the nurse for noncompliance
c. File a report with human resources
d. Reassign the nurse to a different unit
Correct Answer: a
Rationale:
The first step in addressing unsafe behavior is to determine whether
system barriers contributed to the deviation. Equipment availability,
usability, and workflow issues often lead staff to develop workarounds.
Addressing system constraints demonstrates a commitment to safety and
fairness. Discipline should only occur after ruling out system-related
contributors.
, Question 4
Which event is considered a sentinel event?
a. A patient falls without injury
b. Delay in lab result reporting
c. Surgery performed on the wrong site
d. A patient refuses medication
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
Sentinel events involve unexpected occurrences resulting in death or
serious physical or psychological injury. Wrong-site surgery represents a
serious, preventable error with high risk of harm. Such events require
immediate investigation and organizational response. They also mandate
leadership involvement and often regulatory reporting.
Question 5
Which principle best supports a Just Culture approach?
a. Zero tolerance for all errors
b. Holding individuals accountable for system failures
c. Differentiating between human error, at-risk behavior, and reckless
behavior
d. Eliminating reporting of near misses
Correct Answer: c
Rationale:
Just Culture recognizes that not all errors result from negligence or
misconduct. Differentiating behaviors allows organizations to respond
appropriately—console human error, coach at-risk behavior, and discipline
reckless actions. This approach encourages transparency and reporting. It
balances accountability with learning.
