CELBAN Writing Incident Reports 2

Question 1

A patient falls while ambulating to the bathroom at 2:14 AM. Which detail is MOST critical to include in the incident report?

Accepted Answer

The exact time, location, and immediate patient condition after the fall

Answer

The patient's mood earlier that evening

Answer

The nurse's personal opinion about staffing levels

Answer

A prediction of long-term outcomes

Question 2

Which sentence best demonstrates objective language in an incident report?

Accepted Answer

Patient was found on the floor beside the bed at 03:00; Glasgow Coma Scale score was 15.

Answer

The patient was acting strangely and seemed confused.

Answer

The patient probably tripped on something.

Answer

Staff member carelessly left the bed rail down.

Question 3

When documenting a medication error in an incident report, which element is LEAST appropriate to include?

Accepted Answer

A personal apology to the patient

Answer

The name and dose of the medication administered

Answer

The prescribing physician's name

Answer

The time the error was discovered

Question 4

A nurse witnesses a colleague make a medication error but does not report it. What is the primary professional concern?

Accepted Answer

The nurse breaches the duty to protect patient safety and violates reporting obligations

Answer

The nurse may miss a break

Answer

The nurse will receive a negative performance review

Answer

The nurse may be asked to cover extra shifts

Question 5

Which phrase is an example of 'weasel wording' that should be avoided in incident reports?

Accepted Answer

It appears the IV line may have possibly been disconnected.

Answer

Patient's blood pressure was 90/60 mmHg at 14:00.

Answer

Physician Dr. Nguyen was notified at 15:30.

Answer

Patient stated, 'I feel dizzy.'

Question 6

An incident report for a patient elopement should be submitted:

Accepted Answer

As soon as possible, ideally within the same shift the event occurred

Answer

Within one week after a full investigation is complete

Answer

Only if the patient is found and returned safely

Answer

After the family has been notified and consents to the report

Question 7

In an incident report, the phrase 'Patient appeared to be in pain' should be replaced with:

Accepted Answer

Patient verbalized pain as 8/10 on the numeric scale and was grimacing.

Answer

Patient was definitely suffering.

Answer

Patient looked very uncomfortable and distressed.

Answer

Patient seemed painful based on nurse assessment.