A nurse is reinforcing information 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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Obtaining a detailed history is the first action that the nurse should take. History can help the nurse determine the cause, frequency, and severity of the bruises, as well as the child's relationship with the abuser and the risk of further harm. History can also help the nurse assess the child's physical and emotional state, and provide evidence for reporting the abuse later.
Choice B reason: Reporting the suspected abuse to the authorities is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should report the abuse only after obtaining a history and confirming the suspicion. Reporting the abuse prematurely can jeopardize the child's safety and the nurse's credibility. The nurse should also follow the legal and ethical guidelines for reporting abuse in their jurisdiction.
Choice C reason: Requesting a social services referral is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should request a social services referral only after reporting the abuse and ensuring the child's protection. A social services referral can help the child access resources and support, such as counseling, legal aid, foster care, etc. The nurse should also collaborate with the social worker and other members of the interdisciplinary team to provide holistic care for the child.
Choice D reason: Telling the child what will happen to her when the abuse is reported is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should tell the child what will happen to her only after obtaining a history and reporting the abuse. The nurse should also use age-appropriate language and reassure the child that the abuse is not her fault and that she is not alone. The nurse should avoid making promises that they cannot keep, such as saying that the abuser will never hurt her again.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement does not demonstrate health literacy by the client, but rather a need for more health education. Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Requesting further information to improve their health indicates that the client may lack some knowledge or skills related to their condition.
Choice B reason: This statement demonstrates health literacy by the client, as it shows that they have learned and applied an important selfcare behavior for diabetes management. Taking blood glucose daily is a way to monitor and control blood sugar levels, which can prevent or delay complications of diabetes.
Choice C reason: This statement does not demonstrate health literacy by the client, but rather a need for more communication with their provider. Health literacy is not only about acquiring information, but also about using it effectively to make informed decisions. Asking to speak with their provider suggests that the client may have some questions or concerns that need to be addressed.
Choice D reason: This statement does not demonstrate health literacy by the client, but rather a need for more nutritional guidance. Health literacy is not only about understanding information, but also about acting on it to improve health outcomes. Requesting to speak with a nutritionist implies that the client may need some assistance with planning and following a healthy diet for diabetes.
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