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 D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Professional identity is not the correct answer, as it refers to the sense of belonging and alignment with the values and norms of the nursing profession. Joining a professional organization does not necessarily imply that the nurse has a strong professional identity, as they may have other motives or interests for doing so.
Choice B reason: Quality improvement is not the correct answer, as it refers to the systematic and continuous actions that lead to measurable improvement in health care services and outcomes. Joining a professional organization does not directly contribute to quality improvement, as it depends on the nurse's involvement and participation in the organization's activities and initiatives.
Choice C reason: Risk management is not the correct answer, as it refers to the process of identifying, analyzing, and reducing the potential for harm or loss in health care settings. Joining a professional organization does not affect risk management, as it does not change the nurse's responsibility or accountability for their practice.
Choice D reason: Professional commitment is the correct answer, as it refers to the degree of loyalty, dedication, and engagement that the nurse has towards the nursing profession. Joining a professional organization is an example of professional commitment, as it shows that the nurse is interested in advancing their knowledge, skills, and career, and in contributing to the development and improvement of the profession.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Placing the client on 12hour observation is not enough to ensure the client's safety, as the client may still attempt suicide when the nurse is not watching. The client should be placed on continuous observation, preferably one-to-one, until the risk of suicide is reduced.
Choice B reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Encouraging visitors to bring items to the client is not advisable, as some items may pose a potential danger to the client, such as sharp objects, medications, or alcohol. The nurse should inspect and limit the items that the client and the visitors have access to, and remove any items that could be used for self-harm.
Choice C reason: This statement is false and should not be included in the teaching. Encouraging visitors for the client at any time is not appropriate, as some visitors may have a negative impact on the client, such as those who are abusive, judgmental, or unsupportive. The nurse should screen and monitor the visitors, and allow only those who are helpful and respectful to the client.
Choice D reason: This statement is true and should be included in the teaching. Removing harmful objects from the client's room is a priority action that the nurse should take to prevent the client from harming themselves. The nurse should search the client's room and belongings, and remove any objects that could be used for suicide, such as knives, scissors, razors, belts, cords, or plastic bags.
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