A nurse is reinforcing teaching about values to a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding?

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.

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.