A nurse is providing teaching with a nursing colleague about sentinel events. Which of the following statements by the nursing colleague indicates an understanding?
"An example of a sentinel event is administering incompatible blood products to a client."
"An example of a sentinel event is administering client medications 30 minutes late."
"An example of a sentinel event is documenting vital signs at the wrong time in the client's electronic health record."
"An example of a sentinel event is administering a prescribed sedative to a client for insomnia."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering incompatible blood products is a significant medical error that can result in severe patient harm, including hemolytic transfusion reactions, which can be life-threatening. This type of incident qualifies as a sentinel event because it involves serious injury or death and necessitates immediate investigation and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
B. While administering medications late is a medication error and can affect patient outcomes, it does not typically qualify as a sentinel event unless it results in serious harm or death. Sentinel events are generally those with more severe consequences or potential for significant harm.
C. Documenting vital signs at the wrong time is a documentation error and could potentially lead to issues in patient care. However, it is not classified as a sentinel event unless it results in significant harm or jeopardizes the patient's safety.
D. Administering a prescribed sedative for insomnia, when done according to a valid prescription and proper protocols, is a routine medical intervention and does not typically constitute a sentinel event. Sentinel events involve unexpected and serious outcomes rather than standard clinical procedures when performed correctly.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Speaking to a provider on behalf of a client can be part of a nurse's advocacy role, but it is not specifically an example of responsibility. Advocacy involves representing the client's needs and preferences, but the action itself is more about advocacy than personal responsibility.
B. Performing hand hygiene before caring for a client is a fundamental practice that falls under the responsibility of ensuring infection control and maintaining patient safety. It is a key aspect of professional responsibility as it directly impacts the prevention of healthcare-associated infections and upholding high standards of patient care.
C. Contacting a social worker for a client who needs help with finances is part of the nurse's role in coordinating care and addressing the client's needs holistically. It reflects the nurse’s responsibility to ensure that the client receives comprehensive support, but it is more about care coordination rather than the direct personal responsibility in care delivery.
D. Supporting a client's decision to discontinue treatment is related to respecting patient autonomy and ethical principles. While it is a critical aspect of patient-centered care, it represents the nurse's role in advocacy and ethical practice rather than a direct example of personal responsibility in routine tasks.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This task is generally appropriate for an assistive personnel (AP) if it is within their scope of practice and if proper training has been provided. Glucometer monitoring is a routine task that APs can often perform, assuming they are trained in using the glucometer and understanding the importance of accurate readings.
B. Assigning two APs to ambulate all clients might be seen as overdelegation if the task requires more clinical judgment or if there are other tasks that need to be managed concurrently. Ambulating clients can sometimes be complex depending on their condition, and it’s essential to ensure that APs are appropriately trained and that the workload is balanced.
C. Assigning a new graduate nurse to perform a wet-to-dry dressing change could be considered overdelegation if the task requires advanced skills and experience that the new graduate might not yet possess. Wet-to-dry dressing changes can be complex and require a certain level of expertise to ensure proper technique and patient safety.
D. This task is typically appropriate for an RN with the necessary competencies and experience. A central line dressing change requires specific skills and knowledge, and delegating this task to the most competent RN ensures that it is performed correctly and safely. This is not considered overdelegation because it matches the task to the skill level of the RN.
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