Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Who or what do the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards primarily protect?

1. Protect patient rights

2. Ensure timely delivery of care

3. Healthcare facilities from lawsuits

4. Healthcare professionals from on-the-job injuries

The correct answer is: Healthcare professionals from on-the-job injuries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards are designed primarily to protect healthcare professionals from on-the-job injuries and illnesses. These standards ensure a safe working environment by establishing regulations for employers to follow, which can include guidelines on handling hazardous materials, maintaining clean and safe work areas, and providing adequate training and protective equipment. By focusing on workplace safety, OSHA aims to reduce the risk of injury and illness among workers in various industries, including healthcare. While protecting patient rights is important, it's not the primary focus of OSHA. Similarly, ensuring timely delivery of care and shielding healthcare facilities from lawsuits are significant aspects of healthcare management, but they do not fall under OSHA's primary mission, which is centered on the well-being and safety of workers.