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ASHRM CPHRM Exam - Topic 3 Question 11 Discussion

Root Cause Analyses most often reveal that mistakes are a result of:
A) A series of small events and system flaws aligning
B) A single reckless person in most cases
C) Random chance with no patterns
D) Only equipment malfunction

ASHRM CPHRM Exam - Topic 3 Question 11 Discussion

Actual exam question for ASHRM's CPHRM exam
Question #: 11
Topic #: 3
[All CPHRM Questions]

Root Cause Analyses most often reveal that mistakes are a result of:

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Suggested Answer: A

RCA and systems safety models (e.g., Swiss Cheese) emphasize that adverse events typically require multiple contributing factors---small process breakdowns, latent conditions, and active failures---to align. This is why focusing only on the last person who touched the patient (''sharp end blame'') rarely prevents recurrence. Risk management objectives are to identify and strengthen defenses: policies, training, equipment design, staffing models, communication standards, and redundancy where needed. A series-of-events understanding enables targeted corrective actions (forcing functions, standardization, automation with safeguards, independent double checks for high-alert processes). It also supports just culture: accountability is preserved for reckless behavior, but most improvement comes from redesigning systems that make errors more likely. This approach improves reliability, reduces repeat harm, and provides defensible evidence of organizational learning and corrective action.


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Izetta
5 hours ago
Random chance seems too vague for root cause analyses. I’d lean towards A, but I’m still a bit uncertain.
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Dan
5 days ago
I vaguely recall a practice question that emphasized systemic issues rather than just equipment failure. So, D seems unlikely.
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Helene
11 days ago
I’m not sure, but I feel like we discussed how blaming a single person is often too simplistic. Could B be misleading?
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Lonna
16 days ago
I think I remember that root cause analyses usually point to a combination of factors, so maybe A is the right choice?
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