A nurse manager participates in a quality-improvement committee seeking to reduce the risk of sentinel events in a healthcare facility. When reviewing recently submitted incident reports, which of the following incidents should the nurse identify as a sentinel event?
The wrong operation was performed on a patient.
A client received an incorrect dose of medication, but it did not result in injury.
A patient complains that a nurse was rude and abrasive.
A nurse withholds a medication upon suspecting that the patient may be allergic to the drug.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason:
The wrong operation was performed on a patient. This incident is a clear example of a sentinel event. According to The Joint Commission, a sentinel event is a patient safety event that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm and requires immediate investigation. Performing the wrong operation on a patient is a serious error that can lead to significant harm or even death, making it a sentinel event.
Choice B Reason:
A client received an incorrect dose of medication, but it did not result in injury. While administering an incorrect dose of medication is a medication error, it does not qualify as a sentinel event if it does not result in harm. Sentinel events are defined by the severity of the outcome, and in this case, the lack of injury means it does not meet the criteria.
Choice C Reason:
A patient complains that a nurse was rude and abrasive. Although this behavior is unprofessional and can affect patient satisfaction and trust, it does not constitute a sentinel event. Sentinel events are related to significant harm or risk of harm to the patient, which is not the case here.
Choice D Reason:
A nurse withholds a medication upon suspecting that the patient may be allergic to the drug. This action is a precautionary measure taken to prevent potential harm and is not a sentinel event. In fact, it demonstrates good clinical judgment and adherence to patient safety protocols.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Abandonment occurs when a nurse terminates the nurse-patient relationship without reasonable notice or providing a competent replacement. This can leave the patient without necessary care and support, potentially leading to harm. In this scenario, the nurse did not abandon the patient but instead threatened to withhold care, which aligns more closely with the definition of assault.
Choice B Reason
Battery involves the actual physical contact with a patient without their consent. This could include actions such as administering a medication against the patient’s will or physically restraining them without justification. In this case, the nurse did not physically touch the patient, so battery is not the correct term for the described behavior.
Choice C Reason
Assault is the threat of harm or unwanted physical contact that causes the patient to fear for their safety. By threatening to withhold the client’s meal tray, the nurse is using intimidation to coerce the patient into compliance. This threat can cause the patient to feel fearful and anxious, which constitutes assault. The key element here is the threat of harm, not the actual physical act.
Choice D Reason
False imprisonment involves restraining a patient against their will without legal justification. This could include locking a patient in a room or using physical restraints without a medical order. The scenario does not describe any form of physical restraint or confinement, so false imprisonment is not applicable in this context.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Meta-analysis. A meta-analysis is a statistical technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies to identify patterns, discrepancies, or other interesting insights. It is not a primary research method but rather a way to synthesize data from various studies to draw broader conclusions. In this scenario, the study described involves primary data collection through random assignment and intervention, which is not characteristic of a meta-analysis.
Choice B Reason:
Cohort study. A cohort study is an observational study where a group of individuals (the cohort) is followed over time to observe outcomes such as the development of diseases. Participants are not randomly assigned to different groups; instead, they are observed in their natural settings. The described study involves random assignment and a control group, which are not features of a cohort study.
Choice C Reason:
Randomized controlled trial. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) is a type of scientific experiment that aims to reduce bias when testing the effectiveness of new treatments. Participants are randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group, which receives a placebo. This randomization helps ensure that any differences observed between the groups are due to the treatment itself and not other factors. The described study fits this definition perfectly, as it involves random assignment and the use of a placebo control group.
Choice D Reason:
Systematic review. A systematic review is a comprehensive summary of all the available evidence on a specific research question, using a standardized methodology to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research. It does not involve primary data collection or random assignment of participants. The described study involves conducting an experiment with random assignment, which is not characteristic of a systematic review.
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