Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS) Process Workflow & Information Management Redesign Practice Exam

Which statement regarding patient alerts is incorrect?

1. Alerts should never be overridden

2. Alerts can enhance clinical decision-making

3. Alerts can improve patient safety

4. Alerts can reduce medication errors

The correct answer is: Alerts should never be overridden

The statement that alerts should never be overridden is incorrect because there are situations in clinical practice where overriding an alert may be necessary or appropriate. Alerts are designed to assist healthcare providers by flagging potential issues, such as drug interactions or allergies. However, there are instances where a clinician might have sufficient rationale to dismiss or override an alert based on their knowledge of the patient's specific circumstances, clinical judgment, or when the alert is a false positive. The other statements accurately depict the benefits and roles of alerts in healthcare. Alerts can enhance clinical decision-making by providing timely information to support healthcare providers in making informed choices. They contribute to patient safety by drawing attention to potential risks and allowing practitioners to take preventive actions. Additionally, alerts play a crucial role in reducing medication errors by notifying healthcare providers of potential issues before the medication is administered, thereby safeguarding patient health.