A nurse is reinforcing information 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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: SOAP documentation is not the correct method for documenting only unexpected findings. SOAP documentation requires the nurse to document both normal and abnormal findings, as well as the plan of care for the client.
Choice B reason: Problem oriented medical record (POMR) is not the correct method for documenting only unexpected findings. POMR is a method that organizes the documentation around the client's problems, rather than the source of data. It consists of four components: database, problem list, plan, and progress notes.
Choice C reason: Focus charting (DAR) is not the correct method for documenting only unexpected findings. Focus charting is a method that uses the nursing process and the client's perspective to document the client's care. It consists of three components: data, action, and response.
Choice D reason: Charting by exception (CBE) is the correct method for documenting only unexpected findings. CBE is a method that assumes that all standards of care are met unless otherwise documented. It allows the nurse to document only significant or abnormal findings, such as changes in the client's condition, interventions, or outcomes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: If client is uninsured the ED can decline to render services is not an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a false statement that contradicts the purpose and the provision of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department must provide an appropriate medical screening examination to anyone who requests it, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.
Choice B reason: The ED has the right to refuse to provide client services is not an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a false statement that violates the principle and the requirement of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department has a duty to provide stabilizing treatment to any individual who has an emergency medical condition or is in active labor, unless an appropriate transfer is arranged.
Choice C reason: The ED can transfer medically unstable clients to other facilities is not an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a false statement that breaches the rule and the regulation of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department must not transfer an individual who has an emergency medical condition or is in active labor, unless the transfer is requested by the individual or their representative, or the transfer meets certain criteria, such as the benefits outweigh the risks, the receiving facility has agreed to accept the transfer, and the transfer is effected by qualified personnel and equipment.
Choice D reason: Clients must receive a medical screening evaluation (MSE) is an information that the nurse should include in the teaching. This is a true statement that reflects the essence and the standard of EMTALA. According to EMTALA, any hospital that participates in Medicare and has an emergency department must provide an appropriate medical screening examination to anyone who comes to the emergency department and requests examination or treatment for a medical condition, to determine whether or not an emergency medical condition exists
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