Master the CHC Challenge 2026 – Elevate Your Healthcare Compliance Game!

In the context of healthcare, a latent outcome refers to an underlying issue or risk factor that may not immediately result in harm but can lead to adverse events if not addressed. Failure to follow protocol is characterized as a latent outcome because it often indicates systemic problems within healthcare processes that, if left uncorrected, can manifest in more serious issues, such as patient harm or safety hazards. These failures may stem from inadequate training, poor communication, or unclear guidelines, and they can create a pathway for adverse events to occur later.

In contrast, the other options represent more immediate or observable outcomes. An adverse event is a direct consequence that has already occurred, while equipment malfunction and unattended patients are situations that can lead to an immediate risk or harm to patients. They are not latent effects but rather present risks that should be addressed promptly to ensure patient safety. Therefore, failure to follow protocol is identified as a latent outcome because it reflects a deeper, underlying issue that could lead to future problems if not corrected.