CHS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A CHS is counseling a patient about the DASH diet. Which food swap best exemplifies applying DASH principles? → Replacing white bread with whole grain bread and adding a side of spinach
2. What should a clinician do when a difference of more than 10 mmHg is found between arms during the initial blood pressure assessment? → Use the higher reading and investigate for vascular disease
3. What is a work breakdown structure in CHS practice? → Hierarchical decomposition of deliverables into manageable work packages
4. What is the recommended maximum daily sodium intake for adults with hypertension according to the American Heart Association? → 1,500 mg
5. In CHS practice, what constitutes a conflict of interest? → When personal interests could compromise professional judgment
6. What is the recommended maximum alcohol consumption per day for men with hypertension to reduce cardiovascular risk? → No more than 2 standard drinks
7. What blood pressure reduction is typically expected from adopting the DASH diet alone in hypertensive individuals? → 8–14 mmHg systolic reduction
8. When advising hypertensive patients about dietary fat, which approach best aligns with cardiovascular risk reduction guidelines? → Reduce saturated and trans fats and replace with unsaturated fats
9. What is the diagnostic threshold for hypertension based on office BP readings? → ≥130/80 mmHg
10. What is a near-miss report in CHS practice? → Documentation of an event that could have caused harm but did not
11. Pseudohypertension—falsely elevated cuff readings due to arterial stiffness—is most commonly encountered in which patient population? → Elderly patients with heavily calcified arteries
12. How frequently should patients measure blood pressure when performing home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) according to current guidelines? → Twice daily (morning and evening) for at least 7 days
13. What is the correct rate of cuff deflation during auscultatory blood pressure measurement? → 1–2 mmHg per second
14. What is the hierarchy of controls in CHS risk management? → Elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, then PPE
15. Which outcome is considered the gold standard 'hard endpoint' in hypertension clinical trials? → Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including MI, stroke, and cardiovascular death
16. What is a CHS professional's obligation regarding confidentiality? → Protecting client information and disclosing only with authorization or legal requirement
17. What is the importance of continuing education for CHS professionals in Infection Control & Prevention? → Maintaining current knowledge and adapting to industry changes
18. What is stakeholder mapping in CHS practice? → Identifying parties with project interest and assessing their influence
19. What is a key consideration when managing hypertension in patients with diabetes? → Prefer ACE inhibitors or ARBs
20. What is evidence-based practice in CHS Pharmacology & Medication Management? → Integrating research evidence with expertise and client needs
21. What is the standard duration for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)? → 24 hours
22. Why is regular review important in CHS risk management? → Conditions change and new risks emerge requiring updates
23. What is the primary advantage of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over office blood pressure measurements in research and practice? → It eliminates white-coat effect and better predicts cardiovascular outcomes
24. What is a risk matrix used for in CHS practice? → Evaluating risks by plotting likelihood against impact severity
25. What technique should be used to determine the minimum cuff inflation pressure before beginning auscultatory blood pressure measurement? → Palpate the radial pulse while inflating until the pulse disappears, then add 20–30 mmHg
26. What is the first step in CHS risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
27. How does professional liability insurance protect CHS practitioners? → Covering financial losses from claims of negligence or errors
28. What is a needs assessment in CHS Infection Control & Prevention practice? → Identifying gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes
29. In evidence-based practice, what does the term 'NNT' (Number Needed to Treat) represent? → The number of patients who must be treated to prevent one adverse event
30. What is a milestone in CHS project management? → A significant event marking progress at a key point in the timeline