Free Practice Questions for NAHQ CPHQ Exam

The NAHQ CPHQ exam blueprint recognizes systematic random sampling as an acceptable form of random sampling when applied consistently across the entire population. Selecting every fifth patient from a complete, ordered list provides each record an equal probability of selection, assuming no hidden patterns.

Option A is correct because it represents systematic sampling, a recognized random technique used in healthcare audits.

Options B and C introduce selection bias. Option D limits the sample to one month and does not represent the full population.

The CPHQ framework emphasizes unbiased sampling to ensure valid and reliable audit results, making Option A the best choice.

When assisting with strategic planning, the results of a gap analysis should have the primary impact on the quality and performance improvement goals. A gap analysis identifies the difference between the current state and the desired state of the organization’s performance. This analysis highlights areas where the organization needs improvement and helps prioritize initiatives that will close these gaps, thereby directly influencing the setting of realistic and impactful goals.

Findings from a staff needs assessment (B): While important, this primarily affects training and development rather than broader strategic goals.

Financial statement of the organization (C): The financial statement informs resource allocation but does not directly set quality improvement goals.

Report of major competitors' performance (D): Competitor performance can inform strategic positioning, but gap analysis is more directly related to internal improvement.

References

NAHQ Body of Knowledge: StrategicPlanning and Gap Analysis

NAHQ CPHQ Exam Preparation Materials: Setting Performance Improvement Goals

When across-functional team is assigned the task of improving a process, such as laboratory reporting time in the emergency room, the first step after identifying the problem is usually to understand the root causes of the problem. A fishbone diagram, also known as a cause and effect diagram or Ishikawa diagram, is a visual tool used to systematically identify and present all possible causes of a certain outcome1234.

In this case, the significant delay in receiving laboratory results is the problem that needs to be addressed. The team would use a fishbone diagram to identify and categorize potential reasons for this delay, such as equipment issues, process inefficiencies, human errors, etc. This step is crucial before developing action plans (Option D) because it ensures that the team’s efforts are directed towards addressing the root causes of the problem, rather than just the symptoms1234.

Options A (Identify the responsible individual) and C (Plot a scatter diagram) are not the immediate next steps in this scenario. Identifying a responsible individual is more about accountability after the root causes have been identified and action plans have been developed. A scatter diagram is a graphical tool used to understand the relationship between two variables and is not typically the next step in process improvement after identifying the problem1234.