Risk Management & Mitigation Flashcards
7 cards from real ASHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Risk Management & Mitigation flashcards as text
Which of the following is an example of a primary prevention strategy in speech-language pathology risk management?
Answer: Educating patients about vocal hygiene to prevent voice disorders before they develop
Primary prevention targets the reduction of risk factors before a disorder develops, such as vocal hygiene education to prevent voice disorders.
An SLP discovers that a colleague is practicing while impaired by alcohol. What is the most appropriate risk management response?
Answer: Report the concern through appropriate channels (supervisor, ethics board, or state licensure board) to protect client safety
ASHA's Code of Ethics requires SLPs to report impaired colleagues to protect clients from harm; reporting through formal channels is mandatory.
When using telehealth to provide SLP services, which of the following represents a unique risk that must be mitigated?
Answer: Technology failures that interrupt emergency communication or reduce observation of client safety
Technology failures in telehealth can prevent the SLP from observing safety events or communicating emergency instructions, requiring specific contingency protocols.
A client with ALS who uses AAC expresses wishes to discontinue mechanical ventilation. The SLP's role in risk management during this process includes:
Answer: Ensuring the client can reliably communicate their decision and supporting the informed consent process with the medical team
The SLP's role is to ensure communication access for informed decision-making and to support the interdisciplinary team; the SLP does not make end-of-life medical decisions.
Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare risk management?
Answer: To systematically identify underlying system failures that contributed to an adverse event to prevent recurrence
RCA is a structured process for identifying systemic and process-level contributors to adverse events, with the goal of implementing improvements to prevent recurrence.
An SLP is treating a toddler when the parent suddenly leaves the room without notice, leaving the child unattended with the clinician. What is the appropriate risk management response?
Answer: Ensure child safety, immediately locate the parent, and document the incident per facility policy
The SLP must first ensure the child's immediate safety, locate the parent, and document the incident according to facility policy for appropriate follow-up.
In the context of ASHA standards, which of the following competencies is most directly related to risk management in clinical practice?
Answer: Knowledge of infection control, safety protocols, and emergency procedures
ASHA clinical competency standards require SLPs to understand and apply infection control, safety protocols, and emergency procedures as foundational risk management skills.