NMC CBT Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Prep Guide

A risk assessment should be performed when identifying potential risks to patients because it is a proactive measure aimed at preventing harm and ensuring patient safety. Regular and thorough risk assessments help healthcare professionals to recognize hazards that could lead to incidents, allowing for timely interventions to mitigate them.

By incorporating risk assessments into the nursing care process, practitioners can evaluate not only the physical environment but also the patients' health status and medical history, psychological and social factors, and any relevant external variables. This comprehensive approach enables the development of tailored care plans that address specific risks, ultimately promoting better patient outcomes and enhancing overall care quality.

Other contexts, such as only performing assessments during patient discharge or during routine paperwork, do not allow for ongoing evaluation of the patient's safety and health needs. Similarly, waiting until after accident reports are filed places focus on reactive measures rather than proactive risk management.