A man has been admitted to the hospital unit with a medical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). He is receiving supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via a nasal cannula. Which positioning technique will best assist him with breathing?

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.

Choice A reason: "Tell me about what medications you are taking." is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Medications are part of the physical or pharmacological assessment, which focuses on the type, dose, frequency, and effectiveness of the drugs that the client is taking for rheumatoid arthritis. Medications may have some psychosocial implications, such as side effects, costs, or adherence, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.

Choice B reason: "What physical limitations are you experiencing?" is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Physical limitations are part of the functional or mobility assessment, which focuses on the range of motion, strength, endurance, and coordination of the joints and muscles that are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Physical limitations may have some psychosocial implications, such as pain, disability, or dependence, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.

Choice C reason: "How does this impact your role in your family?" is the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is related to the psychosocial assessment. Role in the family is part of the social or relational assessment, which focuses on the interactions, responsibilities, and expectations of the client and their family members in relation to rheumatoid arthritis. Role in the family may have significant psychosocial implications, such as role changes, role conflicts, role strain, or role loss, which can affect the client's selfesteem, identity, and coping.

Choice D reason: "What therapies are you using to reduce swelling?" is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse, because it is not related to the psychosocial assessment. Therapies are part of the physical or nonpharmacological assessment, which focuses on the modalities, techniques, or devices that the client is using to manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Therapies may have some psychosocial implications, such as availability, accessibility, or preference, but they are not the main focus of the psychosocial assessment.