CELBAN - Canadian English Language Benchmark Assessment for Nurses Writing Incident Reports Questions and Answers

Question 1

When writing an incident report, which of the following statements is the most appropriate and professional?

Accepted Answer

Patient found on floor at 07:30. Stated, "I was trying to reach my water glass and I slipped."

Answer

The patient seemed confused and was probably trying to get out of bed.

Answer

I believe the patient fell because the side rails were left down by the night shift nurse.

Answer

The patient was careless and fell while unsupervised.

Question 2

A nurse is preparing an incident report after a patient received the wrong dose of medication. Which of the following details is LEAST necessary to include in the report?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's opinion on why the error occurred.

Answer

The patient's vital signs after the error was discovered.

Answer

The name of the medication and the incorrect dosage given.

Answer

The notification of the patient's physician.

Question 3

You are a nurse who witnessed a visitor slip and fall on a wet floor in the hospital hallway. The visitor states they are not injured, but you insist on completing an incident report. What is the primary purpose of writing this report?

Accepted Answer

To document the event for risk management and quality improvement.

Answer

To ensure the visitor receives a bill for the assessment.

Answer

To discipline the cleaning staff responsible for the wet floor.

Answer

To create a record to protect the visitor in a future lawsuit.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the type of language that should be used when writing the narrative portion of an incident report?

Accepted Answer

Objective, factual, and chronological.

Answer

Subjective, descriptive, and detailed.

Answer

Technical, using many medical abbreviations.

Answer

Concise, using personal judgment and conclusions.

Question 5

A nurse finds a patient on the floor beside their bed. After assessing the patient and ensuring their immediate safety, the nurse calls the physician. What is the next most appropriate action regarding documentation?

Accepted Answer

Document the factual details of the fall and the physician notification in the patient's chart.

Answer

Make a detailed entry in the patient's chart stating that an incident report was completed.

Answer

Complete the facility's incident report form and place a copy in the patient's chart.

Answer

Wait for the supervisor's instructions before writing anything.

Question 6

When documenting an incident, which piece of information is considered 'subjective' data?

Accepted Answer

The patient stating, "I feel dizzy."

Answer

The patient's blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg.

Answer

A 3 cm laceration observed on the patient's forehead.

Answer

The patient's bed was found in the lowest position with side rails up x2.