Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which term describes situations that unfold negatively due to team member performance or lack of resources?

1. Adverse event

2. Accident

3. Breakdown

4. Error

The correct answer is: Breakdown

The term that best describes situations that unfold negatively due to team member performance or lack of resources is a breakdown. A breakdown typically refers to a failure in processes, communication, or teamwork that can lead to undesirable outcomes. In the context of healthcare or any team-driven environment, a breakdown can occur when team members do not function cohesively, resulting in diminished care quality or safety issues. Adverse events generally refer to unintended injuries or complications resulting from healthcare management rather than team performance issues specifically. An accident implies an unforeseen incident, which may not necessarily stem from performance issues within a team. Error denotes a mistake made by an individual, which, while it can contribute to a negative outcome, doesn't encompass the broader implications of team dynamics or resource constraints that characterize a breakdown. Thus, the term breakdown accurately captures the essence of issues arising from ineffective teamwork and insufficient resources.