California Nursing Home Administrator License Practice Exam

Who is primarily responsible for reporting a patient fall and completing an incident report?

1. Risk management

2. Whoever witnessed it

3. The supervisor

4. The nurse on duty

The correct answer is: Risk management

The correct answer, identifying risk management as primarily responsible for reporting a patient fall and completing an incident report, reflects the structured systems in place within healthcare settings for managing incidents. While multiple individuals might be involved in the process, it falls under the jurisdiction of risk management to ensure that incidents are accurately recorded, assessed for risk, and investigated thoroughly. Risk management is crucial because it aims to prevent future occurrences by analyzing the incident and implementing necessary changes. They collate data from various reports and use this information to adapt policies, train staff, and enhance patient safety protocols. Therefore, having this dedicated team in charge ensures a methodical approach to incident reporting, facilitating continuous quality improvement in the care environment. Although the nurse on duty, the supervisor, or the individual who witnessed the fall may contribute to the process by providing details about the incident or may even initiate the reporting, it is ultimately the risk management department that systematically oversees and finalizes incident reports. This delineation of responsibility ensures that there is a consistent and thorough process for managing patient safety incidents.