ASHA Risk Management & Mitigation 3

Question 1

In risk management terminology, what does 'likelihood' refer to when conducting a clinical risk assessment?

Accepted Answer

The probability that a specific hazardous event will occur

Answer

In risk assessment, likelihood (or probability) refers to how probable it is that a given hazard will lead to an adverse event.

Question 2

Which documentation practice best supports risk management in speech-language pathology?

Accepted Answer

Accurately documenting client status, clinical reasoning, interventions, and responses in real time

Answer

Accurate, timely documentation creates a legal record of clinical decisions and protects both the client and clinician in the event of adverse outcomes.

Question 3

A client who is status post-stroke presents with severe dysphagia and consistently refuses the recommended modified diet. After thorough counseling, they persist in their choice. What should the SLP do?

Accepted Answer

Respect autonomy, document thoroughly, ensure informed refusal is documented, and continue risk counseling

Answer

Competent adults have the right to refuse treatment; the SLP must document the informed refusal, educate about risks, and continue offering support.

Question 4

Which of the following represents the highest priority in Maslow's hierarchy as it applies to risk management during SLP clinical sessions?

Accepted Answer

Physiological safety and freedom from physical harm

Answer

Basic physiological safety must always be addressed before higher-order goals such as communication or psychosocial well-being.

Question 5

An SLP is asked by a physician to perform a bedside swallow evaluation on a patient who is heavily sedated and unresponsive. What is the appropriate risk management response?

Accepted Answer

Defer the evaluation until the patient is alert enough to participate safely and document the rationale

Answer

Performing a swallow evaluation on an unresponsive patient poses significant aspiration risk and yields unreliable results; deferring and documenting is the safe clinical choice.

(ASHA) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification Practice Test

(ASHA) American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Certification Practice Test

ASHA Risk Management & Mitigation 3