Clinical Nurse Specialist Risk Assessment & Management 5

Question 1

A CNS is designing a protocol to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Which bundle element has the highest evidence for prevention?

Accepted Answer

Using maximum sterile barrier precautions during central line insertion

Answer

Maximum sterile barrier precautions during insertion—including cap, mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, and full drape—are a cornerstone of the evidence-based CLABSI prevention bundle.

Question 2

A CNS is assessing a patient for risk of delirium in the ICU. Which factor is MOST strongly associated with ICU-acquired delirium?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepine use and mechanical ventilation

Answer

Benzodiazepine sedation and mechanical ventilation are among the strongest independent risk factors for ICU-acquired delirium based on robust evidence.

Question 3

Under a systems thinking approach to patient safety, a CNS attributes a medication administration error primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Flaws in processes, systems, and working conditions that allowed the error

Answer

Systems thinking recognizes that errors are usually the result of faulty processes and system conditions rather than individual failings, enabling more effective prevention strategies.

Question 4

A CNS is evaluating a diabetic patient's risk for foot amputation. Which finding carries the HIGHEST predictive risk?

Accepted Answer

Loss of protective sensation confirmed by 10-gram monofilament test failure

Answer

Failure to detect the 10-gram monofilament confirms loss of protective sensation, the primary risk factor for undetected trauma leading to ulceration and amputation.

Question 5

Which approach best describes how a CNS applies the hierarchy of controls to reduce a workplace violence risk on an inpatient psychiatric unit?

Accepted Answer

Installing locked door access and reducing environmental stimuli (engineering control)

Answer

Engineering controls such as locked-door access and environmental modification rank higher in the hierarchy than administrative training because they reduce hazard at the source.

Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice Test

Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice Test

Clinical Nurse Specialist Risk Assessment & Management 5