A nurse is due to renew their nursing license. Which of the following information should the nurse identify as the purpose of renewal?

Choice A reason: A sentinel event is a serious adverse event that results in death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm to a patient. Administering incompatible blood products to a client is a sentinel event because it can cause fatal hemolytic reactions.

Choice B reason: Administering client medications 30 minutes late is not a sentinel event, unless it leads to a serious adverse outcome for the patient. Medication errors are common and preventable, and they should be reported and analyzed to improve patient safety.

Choice C reason: Documenting vital signs at the wrong time in the client’s electronic health record is not a sentinel event, unless it leads to a serious adverse outcome for the patient. Documentation errors are also common and preventable, and they should be corrected and avoided to ensure accurate and timely information.

Choice D reason: Administering a prescribed sedative to a client for insomnia is not a sentinel event, unless it leads to a serious adverse outcome for the patient. Sedatives are commonly used to treat insomnia, and they should be prescribed and administered with caution and monitoring⁵.

Choice A reason: Obtaining a detailed history is the first action that the nurse should take. History can help the nurse determine the cause, frequency, and severity of the bruises, as well as the child's relationship with the abuser and the risk of further harm. History can also help the nurse assess the child's physical and emotional state, and provide evidence for reporting the abuse later.
Choice B reason: Reporting the suspected abuse to the authorities is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should report the abuse only after obtaining a history and confirming the suspicion. Reporting the abuse prematurely can jeopardize the child's safety and the nurse's credibility. The nurse should also follow the legal and ethical guidelines for reporting abuse in their jurisdiction.
Choice C reason: Requesting a social services referral is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should request a social services referral only after reporting the abuse and ensuring the child's protection. A social services referral can help the child access resources and support, such as counseling, legal aid, foster care, etc. The nurse should also collaborate with the social worker and other members of the interdisciplinary team to provide holistic care for the child.
Choice D reason: Telling the child what will happen to her when the abuse is reported is not the first action that the nurse should take. The nurse should tell the child what will happen to her only after obtaining a history and reporting the abuse. The nurse should also use age-appropriate language and reassure the child that the abuse is not her fault and that she is not alone. The nurse should avoid making promises that they cannot keep, such as saying that the abuser will never hurt her again.