A nurse is providing teaching with a nursing colleague about sentinel events. Which of the following statements by the nursing colleague indicates an understanding?
"An example of a sentinel event is administering incompatible blood products to a client."
"An example of a sentinel event is administering client medications 30 minutes late."
"An example of a sentinel event is documenting vital signs at the wrong time in the client's electronic health record."
"An example of a sentinel event is administering a prescribed sedative to a client for insomnia."
The Correct Answer is A
A. Administering incompatible blood products is a significant medical error that can result in severe patient harm, including hemolytic transfusion reactions, which can be life-threatening. This type of incident qualifies as a sentinel event because it involves serious injury or death and necessitates immediate investigation and corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
B. While administering medications late is a medication error and can affect patient outcomes, it does not typically qualify as a sentinel event unless it results in serious harm or death. Sentinel events are generally those with more severe consequences or potential for significant harm.
C. Documenting vital signs at the wrong time is a documentation error and could potentially lead to issues in patient care. However, it is not classified as a sentinel event unless it results in significant harm or jeopardizes the patient's safety.
D. Administering a prescribed sedative for insomnia, when done according to a valid prescription and proper protocols, is a routine medical intervention and does not typically constitute a sentinel event. Sentinel events involve unexpected and serious outcomes rather than standard clinical procedures when performed correctly.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This ethical principle directly addresses the idea of doing no harm. It is a fundamental obligation of healthcare professionals to protect patients from injury.
B. While related to doing good, beneficence focuses on actively promoting the well-being of patients. While important, it doesn't specifically address the concept of avoiding harm.
C. Fidelity refers to faithfulness and keeping promises. It is important in building trust but doesn't directly address the prevention of harm.
D. Justice is about fairness and equality in healthcare. While important, it doesn't specifically address the prevention of harm to an individual patient.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. De-escalation techniques are focused on managing agitated or aggressive behavior, not opioid use.
B. Hallucinations are often related to underlying medical or psychiatric conditions and require specific treatments. De-escalation techniques may help manage agitated behaviors associated with hallucinations but won't directly decrease them.
C. While de-escalation techniques often involve improved communication, it's a means to an end rather than a primary benefit.
D. This is the primary benefit of de-escalation techniques. By effectively calming agitated individuals, the need for physical restraints can be minimized, promoting patient safety and dignity.
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