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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
A. This task can be delegated to AP as it involves physical assistance and does not require nursing judgment.
B. Feeding a client who has regained swallowing ability can be delegated to AP. However, the nurse should assess the client's ability to swallow safely before delegation.
C. This task requires patient education and assessment, which are within the scope of nursing practice and cannot be delegated.
D. Patient education requires nursing judgment and cannot be delegated to AP.
E. Bathing a client is a routine task that can be delegated to AP, as long as the AP has received appropriate training and the client's condition is stable.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. An advanced beginner nurse is someone who has moved beyond the novice stage but still lacks the experience and confidence of an expert nurse. Precepting new staff members usually requires a higher level of expertise, so this choice is not the best fit for a preceptor role.
B. They possess a high level of intuition and can make complex decisions quickly based on a wealth of experience. Experts are often seen as leaders, mentors, and preceptors because they have the knowledge and skill to guide others effectively.
C. A proficient nurse is skilled and experienced but not at the expert level. While proficiency is important for precepting, being an expert is typically the most appropriate stage for someone responsible for teaching and guiding new staff members.
D. Competent nurses are competent at performing their job duties, but they may not have the level of expertise and experience required to effectively precept and mentor new staff members.
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