The nurse is reviewing research articles about 'sentinel events' in health care.
Which is an example of a 'sentinel event?".

The nurse mistakenly calls the patient's daughter "your wife.”.

A surgical procedure performed on the wrong leg of a patient.

The surgical procedure is postponed by 30 minutes.

The nurse fails to raise the bed to a working height during patient care.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

The nurse mistakenly calling the patient's daughter "your wife" is a communication error but does not qualify as a sentinel event. Sentinel events are serious, largely preventable patient safety incidents that result in significant harm or death to the patient. Miscommunication, while important to address, does not fall under the category of a sentinel event.

Choice B rationale:

A surgical procedure performed on the wrong leg of a patient is a classic example of a sentinel event. Wrong-site surgery is a serious medical error that can lead to severe consequences for the patient. Proper protocols and procedures, such as time-outs and site marking, are in place to prevent such incidents, making this a sentinel event that requires immediate investigation and analysis to prevent recurrence.

Choice C rationale:

The surgical procedure being postponed by 30 minutes, while potentially inconvenient, does not constitute a sentinel event. Delays in surgical schedules are not uncommon due to various reasons such as emergencies or the complexity of preceding procedures. While delays should be minimized, they do not necessarily result in patient harm or death, making them different from sentinel events.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse failing to raise the bed to a working height during patient care is a safety concern but does not qualify as a sentinel event. It is important for nurses to adhere to proper body mechanics and safety protocols to prevent accidents and injuries. While this situation requires correction and education, it does not meet the criteria of a sentinel event.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While a patient with left arm weakness may have some mobility limitations, it does not necessarily put them at the highest risk for falling compared to the other options provided.

Choice B rationale:

Needing glasses for reading small print does not directly indicate a high risk of falling. The patient can still have good overall mobility and balance.

Choice C rationale:

A confused patient experiencing nausea due to a head injury is at the highest risk for falling. Confusion impairs judgment and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Nausea can further destabilize the patient, making them prone to falls.

Choice D rationale:

Using grab bars in the hospital bathroom indicates that the patient is aware of their limitations and is taking precautions to prevent falls. This does not suggest a higher risk compared to a confused and nauseous patient.

A. Format for audiotape report. B. Basis for evaluation of staff members and pay raises. C. Means of identifying risks and corrective measures. D. Support for disciplinary action against healthcare personnel involved.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The incident report is not a format for an audiotape report. Incident reports are written records used to document details of an unexpected event or accident, such as a patient fall, to analyze the causes and implement corrective measures.

Choice B rationale:

Incident reports are not primarily used as a basis for evaluating staff members and pay raises. They focus on patient safety and quality improvement, not employee performance evaluations.

Choice C rationale:

The primary purpose of an incident report is to identify risks and corrective measures. Incident reports are essential tools in healthcare facilities to track and analyze adverse events, identify patterns, and implement preventive measures to enhance patient safety. By documenting incidents and analyzing the data, healthcare organizations can identify potential risks and develop strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Choice D rationale:

While incident reports may be used as a basis for disciplinary actions in some cases, their main purpose is to improve patient safety. Disciplinary actions are taken after a thorough analysis of the incident report, which identifies areas for improvement and preventive measures.

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The nurse is reviewing research articles about 'sentinel events' in health care.Which is an example of a 'sentinel event?".

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for several patients on a medical unit.Which patient does the nurse identify as being most at risk for falling?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse completes an incident report after a patient falls in the hallway while ambulating.The nurse is aware that the primary purpose of this incident report is what?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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The nurse is reviewing research articles about 'sentinel events' in health care.
Which is an example of a 'sentinel event?".