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?

Choice A reason: This is the priority nursing intervention because it helps to prevent infection, which is a major complication and risk factor for mortality in clients with lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. Steroids are used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, but they also increase the susceptibility to infection. The nurse should wash their hands before and after contact with the client and follow standard precautions to reduce the transmission of microorganisms.

Choice B reason: This is not the priority nursing intervention, but it is a good intervention to promote the psychosocial health of the client. Lupus can affect the client's selfesteem, mood, and social relationships, especially during a flareup, which is a period of increased symptoms and activity of the disease. The nurse should assist with the enhancement of social wellbeing by providing activities that are appropriate for the client's physical and mental condition, such as reading, listening to music, or talking with friends and family.

Choice C reason: This is not the priority nursing intervention, but it is a good intervention to evaluate the client's coping and support resources. Lupus can be a chronic and unpredictable disease that can cause stress, anxiety, and depression in the client. The nurse should assess the client's support system, such as family, friends, or community groups, that can provide emotional, practical, and financial assistance to the client. The nurse should also refer the client to counseling, support groups, or other services as needed.

Choice D reason: This is not the priority nursing intervention, but it is a good intervention to respect the client's dignity and autonomy. Lupus can affect the client's appearance, mobility, and independence, which can make them feel vulnerable and embarrassed. The nurse should ensure privacy by keeping the door always closed, unless the client requests otherwise, and by knocking and asking for permission before entering the room. The nurse should also cover the client with a blanket or gown and expose only the necessary body parts during assessment or procedures.

Choice A reason: Inspecting the client's skin is the nurse's priority, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Inspecting the client's skin can help identify any signs of infection, injury, or infestation, such as wounds, rashes, ulcers, or lice. The client's skin may be compromised by the lack of hygiene, exposure to the elements, or poor nutrition. The client's skin may also be a source of transmission of pathogens to other clients or staff. Therefore, inspecting the client's skin is essential for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the client's condition.

Choice B reason: Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Providing a towel and showing the client to the shower is an important intervention, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and ensuring the safety and infection prevention of the client and others. The client may have wounds, rashes, or ulcers that need to be cleaned, dressed, or treated before bathing. The client may also have lice or scabies that need to be isolated and treated with special shampoos or creams before bathing. The client may also need assistance or supervision during bathing, depending on the client's physical and mental status.

Choice C reason: Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently is an important question, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin and providing a towel and showing the client to the shower. The client's history of homelessness and shelter use may provide some information about the client's social and environmental factors, such as exposure to violence, abuse, or disease, or access to resources, services, or support. However, this information is not as critical as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.

Choice D reason: Calling a social worker is not the nurse's priority, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling a social worker is an important referral, but it should be done after inspecting the client's skin, providing a towel and showing the client to the shower, and asking if the client has been to a homeless shelter recently. The social worker can help the client with the psychosocial and practical aspects of homelessness, such as finding a shelter, applying for benefits, accessing health care, or addressing mental health or substance abuse issues. However, this referral is not as urgent as the client's skin condition, which may require immediate attention and care.