Which term describes an unfortunate event resulting from carelessness or ignorance that can be prevented?

• A. Adaptive
• B. Abdominal thrusts
• C. Accidents
• D. Activities

Answer: (C)

An accident is an unfortunate event that happens unexpectedly and can usually be prevented with proper safety precautions. In a caregiving setting, many accidents come from slips, falls, burns, or equipment mishaps when safety rules aren’t followed or hazards aren’t addressed. The main idea is that with careful attention, training, and proactive measures—like keeping floors dry, using safe transfer techniques, keeping call lights within reach, and promptly reporting hazards—these events can be avoided. Abdominal thrusts are a choking rescue technique, adaptive refers to modifying tasks for a resident’s abilities, and activities are the tasks residents perform; none describe an unplanned, preventable incident.