A nurse is discussing informatics with a newly licensed nurse. The nurse identifies that informatics is defined as the use of information and technology for which of the following?

Choice A reason: A sentinel event is a serious adverse event that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm to a patient. Administering incompatible blood products to a client is a sentinel event because it can cause fatal hemolytic reactions.

Choice B reason: Administering client medications 30 minutes late is not a sentinel event, unless it leads to a serious adverse outcome for the patient. Medication errors are common and preventable, and they should be reported and analyzed to improve patient safety.

Choice C reason: Documenting vital signs at the wrong time in the client’s electronic health record is not a sentinel event, unless it leads to a serious adverse outcome for the patient. Documentation errors are also common and preventable, and they should be corrected and avoided to ensure accurate and timely information.

Choice D reason: Administering a prescribed sedative to a client for insomnia is not a sentinel event, unless it leads to a serious adverse outcome for the patient. Sedatives are commonly used to treat insomnia, and they should be prescribed and administered with caution and monitoring⁵.

Choice A reason: This statement belongs to the recommendation component, as it describes an action that the nurse has taken or suggests to take regarding the client's care.

Choice B reason: This statement also belongs to the recommendation component, as it expresses a need or a request for the client's treatment.

Choice C reason: This statement belongs to the situation component, as it summarizes the current problem or issue that the client is facing.

Choice D reason: This statement belongs to the background component, as it provides relevant information about the client's medical history or diagnosis.