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?

An event that can cause serious injury to a client that should never happen in a hospital

Specific events that enable a hospital to maximize reimbursement

An unexpected event involving death or serious physical or psychological injury

Operating room event involving the use of unsafe equipment

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: An event that can cause serious injury to a client that should never happen in a hospital is not the best description of a sentinel event, because it is too vague and broad. It does not specify the degree of injury or the nature of the event. It also implies that some events that cause serious injury are acceptable in a hospital, which is not true.

Choice B reason: Specific events that enable a hospital to maximize reimbursement is not a description of a sentinel event, but rather a description of quality indicators or performance measures. These are criteria that reflect the quality of care provided by a hospital and affect its payment from payers. They are not related to sentinel events, which are adverse events that require immediate investigation and response.

Choice C reason: An unexpected event involving death or serious physical or psychological injury is the best description of a sentinel event, because it captures the essence and severity of the event. According to the Joint Commission, a sentinel event is "an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof" . Examples of sentinel events include wrongsite surgery, medication error, suicide, or abduction.

Choice D reason: Operating room event involving the use of unsafe equipment is not a description of a sentinel event, but rather an example of a potential sentinel event. It is not a general definition that applies to all sentinel events, but a specific scenario that may or may not result in death or serious injury. It also does not indicate the unexpectedness of the event, which is a key characteristic of a sentinel event.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: "Tomorrow will be better." is not a statement that demonstrates empathy, but rather one that demonstrates false reassurance or denial. False reassurance or denial is a communication barrier that dismisses or minimizes the client's feelings or concerns, and offers unrealistic or vague promises that may not be fulfilled. False reassurance or denial can make the client feel invalidated, misunderstood, or hopeless.

Choice B reason: "This must be hard news to hear. Tell me more about it." is a statement that demonstrates empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Empathy is a communication skill that acknowledges and validates the client's feelings or concerns, and invites the client to express and explore them further. Empathy can make the client feel supported, respected, and empowered.

Choice C reason: "What is your biggest fear about this diagnosis?" is not a statement that demonstrates empathy, but rather one that demonstrates probing or prying. Probing or prying is a communication barrier that asks intrusive or inappropriate questions that may make the client feel uncomfortable, defensive, or threatened. Probing or prying can make the client feel violated, judged, or pressured.

Choice D reason: "I believe you can overcome this because I've seen how strong you are." is not a statement that demonstrates empathy, but rather one that demonstrates stereotyping or labeling. Stereotyping or labeling is a communication barrier that assigns a fixed or generalized characteristic to a person or a situation, without considering the individuality or uniqueness of the person or the situation. Stereotyping or labeling can make the client feel objectified, devalued, or misunderstood.

A. Call the provider B. Place the client in the lithotomy position C. Raise the head of the bed D. Obtain pain medication

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Calling the provider is not the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Calling the provider is a communication intervention, not a respiratory intervention. Calling the provider is an important action, but it should be done after raising the head of the bed, and with accurate and complete information.

Choice B reason: Placing the client in the lithotomy position is not the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Placing the client in the lithotomy position is a positioning intervention, not a respiratory intervention. Placing the client in the lithotomy position is a specific action that is used for pelvic examinations or procedures, not for improving oxygenation.

Choice C reason: Raising the head of the bed is the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is the most urgent and relevant action. Raising the head of the bed is a respiratory intervention, not a communication, positioning, or analgesic intervention. Raising the head of the bed is a simple and effective action that can improve the client's breathing, oxygenation, and comfort.

Choice D reason: Obtaining pain medication is not the intervention that the nurse should perform first, because it is not the most urgent and relevant action. Obtaining pain medication is an analgesic intervention, not a respiratory intervention. Obtaining pain medication is an important action, but it should be done after raising the head of the bed, and with a medical order and a proper route.

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