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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of delegation principles. Typically, the original delegating nurse is responsible for ensuring that the task is completed correctly and safely. APs are not authorized to re-delegate tasks to other APs. The nurse must ensure that the task is assigned appropriately and directly to the right individual, considering their qualifications and experience.
B. This statement demonstrates an understanding of proper delegation practices. When delegating tasks, the nurse should indeed consider the AP's level of experience and competence. Delegating tasks based on the AP's skills ensures that the tasks are performed safely and effectively, aligning with the principle that delegation should be based on the qualifications and experience of the person to whom the task is assigned.
C. This statement reflects a misunderstanding of accountability in delegation. When a nurse delegates a task to an AP, the nurse does not relinquish accountability for client outcomes. The nurse remains accountable for ensuring that the task is delegated appropriately and that the care provided meets professional standards.
D. This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the AP’s role. APs typically do not provide client
education, as this requires specialized knowledge and assessment skills that are within the scope of practice of licensed nurses. Client education, especially about self-care, is generally performed by registered nurses who can assess the client’s understanding and provide detailed instructions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The "Plan" section of a SOAP note outlines the strategies for managing the patient’s condition, including further tests, treatments, and follow-up care. While vital signs can influence the plan of care, they are not documented in this section. Instead, the plan focuses on the next steps in treatment and interventions based on the assessment.
B. The "Assessment" section is where the nurse provides a professional judgment or diagnosis based on the subjective and objective data collected. Vital signs are not typically included in this section. Instead, the assessment would include the nurse’s interpretation of the data and overall evaluation of the patient's condition.
C. The "Subjective" section includes information that the patient reports about their own experience, symptoms, and concerns. Vital signs are objective measurements taken by the healthcare provider, so they do not belong in the subjective section. This section is focused on the patient's personal observations and feelings.
D. The "Objective" section is where measurable, observable data are documented. This includes vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate, as these are concrete data points that can be objectively assessed and recorded by the healthcare provider.
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