The quality and risk nurse in the local hospital is performing a hospital survey on sentinel events. Which statement would the nurse use to best describe a sentinel event?

Choice A reason: This is not the correct answer because opioids are a class of medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception and emotional response. Opioids do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction.

Choice B reason: This is not the correct answer because anticoagulants are a class of medications that prevent or reduce the formation of blood clots by interfering with the clotting factors or platelets. Anticoagulants do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can increase the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation, which can impair the blood supply and oxygen delivery to the injured tissues.

Choice C reason: This is the correct answer because NSAIDs are a class of medications that inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory mediators that cause pain, swelling, and fever. NSAIDs can decrease tissue inflammation and pain, but they can also delay bone healing by reducing the formation of osteoblasts, which are cells that build new bone tissue.

Choice D reason: This is not the correct answer because narcotics are another term for opioids, which are a class of medications that act on the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain perception and emotional response. Narcotics do not have a direct effect on tissue inflammation or bone healing, but they can cause side effects such as constipation, nausea, sedation, respiratory depression, and addiction.

Choice A reason: Truck driver is not an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, because it does not involve repetitive or forceful flexion or extension of the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, is compressed or irritated by inflammation, swelling, or pressure. Truck drivers may experience other musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain, due to prolonged sitting, vibration, or poor posture.

Choice B reason: Nursing assistant is an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, but it is not the best answer, because it involves other factors besides repetitive motion that can contribute to the condition. Nursing assistants may perform repetitive tasks, such as lifting, transferring, or bathing patients, that can strain the wrist and the median nerve. However, they may also experience other risk factors, such as trauma, infection, arthritis, or pregnancy, that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome.

Choice C reason: Elementary school teacher is not an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, because it does not involve repetitive or forceful flexion or extension of the wrist. Elementary school teachers may perform some tasks, such as writing, typing, or grading papers, that can involve wrist movement, but they are not likely to be frequent or intense enough to cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Elementary school teachers may experience other stressrelated problems, such as headaches, fatigue, or burnout, due to the demands of their work.

Choice D reason: Assembly line worker is the best answer, because it is an occupation that increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome, due to the nature and duration of the work. Assembly line workers may perform repetitive, forceful, or awkward movements of the wrist, such as twisting, bending, or gripping, that can cause compression or irritation of the median nerve. Assembly line workers may also work for long hours, with little rest or variation, that can exacerbate the condition.