American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered a hospital-acquired condition by CMS?

1. Foreign object retained after surgery

2. Air embolism

3. Gram-negative pneumonia

4. Blood incompatibility

The correct answer is: Gram-negative pneumonia

The correct answer is that Gram-negative pneumonia is not considered a hospital-acquired condition by CMS. Hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) are specific conditions or events that occur during a hospital stay and are not present at the time of admission. Out of the options provided, foreign object retained after surgery, air embolism, and blood incompatibility are all classified as HACs, as they are preventable complications that can occur due to errors in care or breaches in safety protocols. Gram-negative pneumonia, while it may develop during a hospital stay, is typically not categorized as a hospital-acquired condition recognized by CMS. It can occur naturally as a result of an underlying medical condition or other risk factors and may not be directly linked to the quality of care provided by the healthcare facility. Understanding the specific definitions and classifications of hospital-acquired conditions is crucial for healthcare professionals, particularly in the context of hospital reimbursement and patient safety initiatives.