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Checklist patient safety — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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HardEthics, Patient Safety, Quality Improvement, Systems-Based PracticeChecklist patient safetyUSMLE Step 3

After a hospital implements a central-line insertion checklist, central-line bloodstream infections decrease. Which mechanism best explains the result?

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Correct answer: E — Standardization reduces omission of evidence-based aseptic steps during line insertion

A checklist improves reliability of evidence-based insertion practices and reduces omission under pressure. It complements rather than replaces aseptic technique and ongoing outcome monitoring.

Reference: AHRQ, Patient Safety Primer: Medication Errors: https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/medication-errors