The quality and risk nurse in the local hospital is performing a hospital survey on sentinel events. Which statement would the nurse use to best describe a sentinel event?
An event that can cause serious injury to a client that should never happen in a hospital
Specific events that enable a hospital to maximize reimbursement
An unexpected event involving death or serious physical or psychological injury
Operating room event involving the use of unsafe equipment
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: An event that can cause serious injury to a client that should never happen in a hospital is not the best description of a sentinel event, because it is too vague and broad. It does not specify the degree of injury or the nature of the event. It also implies that some events that cause serious injury are acceptable in a hospital, which is not true.
Choice B reason: Specific events that enable a hospital to maximize reimbursement is not a description of a sentinel event, but rather a description of quality indicators or performance measures. These are criteria that reflect the quality of care provided by a hospital and affect its payment from payers. They are not related to sentinel events, which are adverse events that require immediate investigation and response.
Choice C reason: An unexpected event involving death or serious physical or psychological injury is the best description of a sentinel event, because it captures the essence and severity of the event. According to the Joint Commission, a sentinel event is "an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof" . Examples of sentinel events include wrongsite surgery, medication error, suicide, or abduction.
Choice D reason: Operating room event involving the use of unsafe equipment is not a description of a sentinel event, but rather an example of a potential sentinel event. It is not a general definition that applies to all sentinel events, but a specific scenario that may or may not result in death or serious injury. It also does not indicate the unexpectedness of the event, which is a key characteristic of a sentinel event.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing the client with antipyretic therapy is not the nurse's priority. Antipyretic therapy is a treatment that lowers the body temperature and reduces fever. Fever is a common symptom of acute osteomyelitis, which is a bacterial infection of the bone and bone marrow. Antipyretic therapy may help to relieve the discomfort and inflammation caused by fever, but it does not address the underlying cause of the infection.
Choice B reason: Administering antibiotics to the client is the nurse's priority. Antibiotics are medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics are the main treatment for acute osteomyelitis, as they target the specific type of bacteria that is causing the infection. Antibiotics can prevent the spread of the infection to other bones or organs and reduce the risk of complications, such as chronic osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, or sepsis.
Choice C reason: Increasing the client's protein intake is not the nurse's priority. Protein intake is a nutritional factor that affects the wound healing and immune system. Protein is composed of amino acids, which are the building blocks of cells and tissues. Protein intake can enhance the repair and regeneration of the bone and the soft tissues that are damaged by the infection. Protein intake can also support the immune system's ability to fight off the infection. However, protein intake alone is not sufficient to treat acute osteomyelitis, as it does not eliminate the bacteria that are causing the infection.
Choice D reason: Teaching relaxation breathing to reduce the client's pain is not the nurse's priority. Relaxation breathing is a technique that involves deep and slow breathing that helps to relax the body and mind. Relaxation breathing can help to reduce the pain and stress that are associated with acute osteomyelitis. Pain is a common symptom of acute osteomyelitis, which is caused by the inflammation and pressure on the bone and the surrounding tissues. Relaxation breathing can help to ease the pain and improve the mood and quality of life of the client. However, relaxation breathing alone is not enough to treat acute osteomyelitis, as it does not address the source of the pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client having a butterfly rash is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. A butterfly rash is a malar rash that appears across the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It is a common sign of SLE and may flare up or fade depending on the disease activity. It does not indicate any serious complication or organ damage.
Choice B reason: A blood pressure of 126/85 mm Hg is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This blood pressure is within the normal range and does not indicate hypertension or hypotension. Hypertension is a possible complication of SLE that may affect the kidneys, the heart, or the brain. Hypotension may indicate shock, dehydration, or infection.
Choice C reason: The client reporting chronic fatigue is not a concerning finding in a client with SLE. Chronic fatigue is a common symptom of SLE that affects the quality of life and the ability to perform daily activities. It may be caused by inflammation, pain, anemia, depression, or medication side effects. It does not indicate any acute or lifethreatening condition.
Choice D reason: A urine output of 20 mL/hour is a concerning finding in a client with SLE. This urine output is below the normal range of 30 to 50 mL/hour and indicates oliguria, which is a reduced urine production. Oliguria may indicate acute kidney injury, which is a serious complication of SLE that may lead to renal failure or death. The nurse should monitor the client's urine output, fluid balance, electrolytes, and kidney function and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
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