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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The prodromal stage is the period between the exposure to the infectious agent and the onset of specific symptoms. During this stage, the person may experience mild and nonspecific signs of infection, such as fatigue or lowgrade fever. The client in the question has already developed specific symptoms of infection, such as sneezing, productive cough, and fever, which indicate that they have passed the prodromal stage.
Choice B reason: The period of convalescence is the stage of recovery after the infection. During this stage, the person's symptoms gradually subside, and their immune system eliminates the infectious agent from the body. The client in the question is still experiencing symptoms of infection, which suggest that they have not reached the period of convalescence yet.
Choice C reason: The acute illness stage is the peak of the infection, when the person exhibits the most severe and specific symptoms of the disease. During this stage, the person's immune system fights against the infectious agent, and the outcome of the infection is determined. The client in the question is likely in the acute illness stage, as they have been experiencing symptoms of infection for 4 days, and their condition has worsened over time.
Choice D reason: The incubation stage is the time between the entry of the infectious agent into the body and the appearance of the first symptoms of infection. During this stage, the person does not feel ill, but the infectious agent is multiplying in the body. The client in the question has already developed symptoms of infection, which indicate that they have left the incubation stage.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement indicates an understanding of palliative care services, as they aim to improve the quality of life of people with serious or life altering illnesses by providing symptom relief, emotional support, and spiritual care.
Choice B reason: This statement does not indicate an understanding of palliative care services, as they do not directly provide respite care for caregivers. However, palliative care services may help caregivers cope with the stress and burden of caring for a terminally ill person, and may refer them to other resources that can offer respite care.
Choice C reason: This statement does not indicate an understanding of palliative care services, as they do not require the person to go to a skilled facility. Palliative care services can be provided in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, outpatient clinics, or at home.
Choice D reason: This statement does not indicate an understanding of palliative care services, as they do not provide meal management for the person. However, palliative care services may include nutritionists who can offer dietary advice and guidance for the person, and may coordinate with other services that can help with meal preparation and delivery.
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