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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fowler's position is a semisitting position with the head of the bed elevated at 45 to 60 degrees. This position allows for maximum expansion of the chest and improves ventilation and oxygenation. It also reduces the work of breathing and prevents the abdominal organs from compressing the diaphragm.
Choice B reason: Sim's position is a sidelying position with the lower arm behind the back and the upper knee flexed. This position is used for patients who are unconscious, have difficulty swallowing, or are receiving an enema. It does not facilitate breathing or oxygenation for patients with COPD.
Choice C reason: Prone position is a lying position with the face down and the arms at the sides or bent at the elbows. This position is used for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or severe lung injury to improve oxygenation and reduce lung inflammation. It is not recommended for patients with COPD as it may increase the risk of aspiration, pressure ulcers, and nerve damage.
Choice D reason: Lateral position is a sidelying position with the upper leg slightly flexed and supported by a pillow. This position is used for patients who are resting or sleeping to prevent pressure ulcers and promote comfort. It does not improve breathing or oxygenation for patients with COPD.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Once the tissue has necrosed from high pressure, it does not regenerate is the best explanation, because it describes the mechanism and outcome of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that causes increased intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve and the retina, the tissues that are responsible for transmitting and processing visual information. Once these tissues are necrosed, or dead, they do not regenerate, or grow back, resulting in irreversible vision loss.
Choice B reason: Glaucoma always leads to permanent blindness is not a good explanation, because it is inaccurate and pessimistic. Glaucoma does not always lead to permanent blindness, but rather to progressive vision loss that can be prevented or slowed down with early diagnosis and treatment. Glaucoma can cause peripheral vision loss, tunnel vision, or blind spots, but not necessarily complete blindness.
Choice C reason: Once retinal detachment occurs, it does not return to its normal state is not a good explanation, because it is irrelevant and misleading. Retinal detachment is a condition that occurs when the retina separates from the underlying layer of blood vessels, which can cause vision loss or blindness. However, retinal detachment is not caused by glaucoma, nor is it a common complication of glaucoma. Retinal detachment can sometimes be repaired with surgery, depending on the extent and duration of the detachment.
Choice D reason: Once bacterial infection has caused damage, the tissue does not regenerate is not a good explanation, because it is incorrect and confusing. Bacterial infection is not a cause or a consequence of glaucoma, but rather a separate condition that can affect the eye. Bacterial infection can cause inflammation, pain, discharge, or redness in the eye, but not necessarily vision loss or tissue necrosis. Bacterial infection can usually be treated with antibiotics, which can prevent or reverse the damage.
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