Question

All of the following are examples of steps to prevent errors that may jeopardize the​ patient's safety,​ EXCEPT:

A. Reflect on all actions.
B. Ask for assistance if you need it.
C. Use decision aids if necessary.
D. Use intuition and judgment rather than protocols.

Answer 1

Using intuition and judgment rather than established protocols is not a recommended step to prevent errors in patient safety. Healthcare professionals should rely on evidence-based protocols to make decisions and minimize errors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks about steps to prevent errors that may jeopardize patient safety. Reflecting on actions, asking for assistance, and using decision aids are all examples of good practices. However, using intuition and judgment rather than protocols is not. Protocols are established to ensure consistent and safe practices in healthcare settings and usually represent a consensus of best practices based on current evidence. Relying solely on intuition and judgment, by contrast, increases the risk of error. Healthcare workers should use cognitive skills to make decisions and be wary of cognitive biases that might lead to errors. They should use heuristics and rules of thumb with caution and always ground their decision-making in evidence-based protocols when possible.