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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Wearing a gown is the correct answer, because it is the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. MRSA is a type of bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause serious infections in the skin, blood, lungs, or other organs. MRSA can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the infected wound or contaminated surfaces. Wearing a gown can protect the nurse's clothing and skin from exposure to MRSA.
Choice B reason: Wearing sterile gloves is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. Sterile gloves are used for sterile procedures, such as inserting a catheter or changing a dressing, not for routine assessments, such as checking the pulse. Wearing sterile gloves can be wasteful and unnecessary, and it does not provide adequate protection from MRSA.
Choice C reason: Wearing a PAPR mask is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. PAPR stands for powered airpurifying respirator, and it is a type of mask that filters the air and provides positive pressure to the wearer. PAPR masks are used for airborne precautions, which are required for clients who have diseases that can be spread through the air, such as tuberculosis or measles, not for clients who have MRSA.
Choice D reason: Wearing a surgical mask is not the correct answer, because it is not the appropriate PPE for contact precautions, which are required for clients who have MRSA. Surgical masks are used for droplet precautions, which are required for clients who have diseases that can be spread through respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis, not for clients who have MRSA.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Fistula is a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin. Fistula can occur as a result of infection, inflammation, trauma, surgery, or congenital defect. Fistula can cause pain, bleeding, discharge, or leakage of fluids or gases from the affected organs or tissues. Fistula can also increase the risk of infection, obstruction, or perforation of the involved organs or tissues.
Choice B reason: Hemorrhage is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is an excessive or uncontrolled bleeding from the wound site. Hemorrhage can occur as a result of trauma, surgery, infection, or coagulation disorder. Hemorrhage can cause pain, swelling, bruising, or shock at the wound site. Hemorrhage can also lead to blood loss, anemia, or hypovolemia.
Choice C reason: Infection is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the wound site. Infection can occur as a result of contamination, poor hygiene, or impaired immunity. Infection can cause pain, redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at the wound site. Infection can also trigger inflammation, fever, or systemic illness.
Choice D reason: Evisceration is not a complication of wound healing that is an abnormal passage that connects two body cavities or a cavity and the skin, but rather a complication of wound healing that is a protrusion of internal organs or tissues through the wound site. Evisceration can occur as a result of dehiscence, which is a separation or splitting open of the wound edges. Evisceration can cause pain, bleeding, or shock at the wound site. Evisceration can also expose the internal organs or tissues to injury, infection, or necrosis.
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