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: Outside client's room is not an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area may not be private or quiet enough to ensure confidentiality and accuracy of the information. The nurse may also miss important cues or changes in the client's condition or environment.
Choice B reason: Conference area is not an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area may be too far from the client's room or the nursing station, which can delay the response time or the continuity of care. The nurse may also lose the opportunity to interact with the client and the family, and to verify the data with the physical assessment.
Choice C reason: Nurse's lounge is not an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area may be too informal or distracting to maintain the professionalism and focus of the report. The nurse may also violate the privacy and dignity of the client and the family by discussing their personal or medical information in a public place.
Choice D reason: Client's bedside is an appropriate area to provide report to the oncoming nurse. This area allows the nurse to involve the client and the family in the report, which can enhance their satisfaction, safety, and education. The nurse can also observe the client's condition and behavior, and perform the physical assessment and the medication reconciliation with the oncoming nurse.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Explaining the steps of a surgical procedure to a client is not unprofessional, but a professional duty of a nurse. A nurse should provide accurate and relevant information to the client about their health condition, treatment options, and expected outcomes, in order to help them make informed decisions and prepare for the procedure¹.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Witnessing a client consent for a surgical procedure is not unprofessional, but a professional responsibility of a nurse. A nurse should act as a witness to the client's signature on the consent form, and ensure that the consent process was conducted properly, ethically, and legally².
Choice C reason: This is the correct answer. Confirming that a client appears competent to consent to a surgical procedure is unprofessional, as it is not within the scope of practice of a nurse. A nurse cannot assess or determine the client's mental capacity or competence to consent, as this requires a medical evaluation by a physician or a psychologist³. A nurse can only observe and report the client's behavior, mood, and cognition to the health care team.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Verifying that a client voluntarily gave consent to a surgical procedure is not unprofessional, but a professional obligation of a nurse. A nurse should ensure that the client's consent was given freely, without any coercion, manipulation, or undue influence from others². A nurse should also respect the client's right to withdraw or change their consent at any time².
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.