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 A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct answer. Disease prevention involves activities and measures taken to reduce the occurrence and impact of specific diseases. In this scenario, the nurse is performing a blood pressure screening for a client with a family history of hypertension. This screening is a preventive measure aimed at detecting and preventing the development of hypertension, which falls under the category of disease prevention. By identifying clients at risk, healthcare providers can intervene early and implement strategies to prevent or manage the condition.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Health education involves providing information and knowledge to clients to help them make informed decisions about their health. It focuses on teaching individuals about health-related topics. In this scenario, the nurse is not engaged in health education but rather in blood pressure screening, which is a form of health assessment and monitoring.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Health promotion involves activities that encourage and empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being. It aims to enhance the overall health of the population. While blood pressure screening is a preventive measure, it does not encompass the broader concept of health promotion. It is more specific to early detection and monitoring of health conditions.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Holistic health refers to an approach that considers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of an individual's well-being. It recognizes the interconnectedness of these aspects and seeks to address them in a comprehensive manner. Performing a blood pressure screening, while important, is a specific health assessment task and does not fully encompass the holistic health approach.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse’s personal values can and do influence ethical decisions. The nurse should be aware of their own values and how they affect their judgment and actions. The nurse should also respect the values of others and avoid imposing their own values on the clients or colleagues.
Choice B reason: This statement is incorrect because value clarification is not related to maintaining clinical competency. Value clarification is a process of identifying, examining, and prioritizing one’s values. It can help the nurse to understand their own values and beliefs, as well as those of the clients and the profession.
Choice C reason: This statement is correct because it is important that the nurse is aware of the client’s values. The nurse should assess the client’s values and preferences, and incorporate them into the plan of care. The nurse should also respect the client’s right to self-determination and autonomy, and support the client in making informed decisions.
Choice D reason: This statement is incorrect because a nurse's behaviors and actions are not called values. Values are the beliefs and principles that guide one’s decisions and actions. A nurse's behaviors and actions are the expressions of their values, as well as their knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today