While preparing a client for surgery, the nurse marks the arm that is to be amputated and participates in a “time-out” procedure before the surgery begins.
Which sentinel event is this action intended to prevent?
The lack of healing of the stump.
Ineffective control of the client’s pain.
The removal of the wrong arm.
The client being mildly sedated.
The Correct Answer is C
This action is intended to prevent a sentinel event, which is a patient safety event that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm. A sentinel event is a serious adverse event that signals the need for immediate investigation and response. Removing the wrong arm would be a devastating and irreversible outcome for the patient and the health care provider.
Choice A is wrong because the lack of healing of the stump is not a sentinel event. It is a possible complication of amputation that may be related to the natural course of the patient’s illness or underlying condition.
Choice B is wrong because ineffective control of the client’s pain is not a sentinel event. It is a quality of care issue that may affect the patient’s comfort and recovery, but it does not result in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm.
Choice D is wrong because the client being mildly sedated is not a sentinel event. It is a level of anesthesia that may be appropriate for some types of surgery, but it does not result in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Urinary catheterization is a common cause of health care-associated infections (HAIs), which are infections that patients get while receiving medical treatment in a health care facility. Urinary catheterization involves inserting a tube into the bladder to drain urine, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and cause infections.
Choice B is wrong because malnutrition is not a direct cause of HAIs, although it can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infections.
Choice C is wrong because multiple caregivers are not a direct cause of HAIs, although they can increase the exposure to different pathogens and cross contamination if they do not follow proper hygiene and infection control practices.
Choice D is wrong because chlorhexidine washes are not a cause of HAIs, but rather a preventive measure to reduce the risk of HAIs by disinfecting the skin and mucous membranes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood) can cause abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia) that can be life-threatening and require urgent medical attention. A cardiac monitor can help detect and treat any arrhythmia that may occur.
Choice B is wrong because administering a laxative can worsen hypokalemia by causing more potassium loss through the digestive tract. Laxative use is one of the possible causes of hypokalemia.
Choice C is wrong because placing the client on seizure precautions is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. Seizures are not a common symptom of hypokalemia, although muscle weakness and cramps may occur.
Choice D is wrong because restricting high potassium foods is not a priority intervention for hypokalemia. In fact, increasing potassium intake through foods or supplements may be helpful in less serious cases of hypokalemia. However, this should be done according to the doctor’s recommendation and with careful monitoring of blood potassium levels.
Normal blood potassium levels for an adult range from 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life threatening.
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