FPGEE for National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) Practice Exam

What is a preventable adverse event (PAE)?

1. Any medication error

2. An event only caused by negligence

3. An event that is preventable

4. A retrospective assessment

The correct answer is: An event that is preventable

A preventable adverse event (PAE) refers specifically to an event that can be avoided and that results in harm to a patient. This understanding comes from recognizing that these events arise from factors that could be implemented in a way to prevent the harm, distinguishing them from other types of errors that may not be preventable. Identifying the event as preventable is crucial in healthcare settings where patient safety is a top priority. PAEs often highlight systemic issues within healthcare practices, procedures, and protocols that need to be improved to enhance patient outcomes and safety measures. By understanding that these events are avoidable, healthcare professionals can focus their efforts on implementing strategies that reduce the likelihood of their occurrence in the future. Other choices suggest narrower or incorrect definitions. For example, not all medication errors are classified as preventable adverse events, as some may occur without a possibility of prevention under existing circumstances. Additionally, saying that a PAE is solely caused by negligence limits the broader perspective needed when analyzing healthcare systems and processes. The idea that a PAE is defined by a retrospective assessment captures only one angle of understanding these events rather than emphasizing the preventability aspect.