which of the following is an example of a sentinel event in healthcare

ATI RN

ATI Leadership Proctored Exam 2019

1. Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event in healthcare?

A. A patient falling in the hospital without injury
B. A near-miss medication error
C. An unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness
D. A patient developing an infection during a hospital stay

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A sentinel event in healthcare is an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness. These events are serious occurrences that warrant immediate investigation and response to prevent their recurrence and ensure patient safety. Choices A, B, and D do not fit the definition of a sentinel event. While choices A, B, and D are serious incidents, they do not involve an unexpected patient death unrelated to the natural course of illness, which is the defining characteristic of a sentinel event.

2. What are the key elements essential to the implementation of case management? (Select all that apply.)

A. Collaborative practice teams
B. Established critical pathways
C. Quality management system
D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Established critical pathways, collaborative practice teams, and quality management systems are indeed key elements essential to the implementation of case management. Collaborative practice teams allow for multidisciplinary collaboration, established critical pathways help guide patient care, and a quality management system ensures that care provided meets established standards. Choice A, collaborative practice teams, is correct as they are fundamental for effective case management, involving various professionals working together. Choice B, established critical pathways, is also correct as they provide a structured approach to managing patient care. Choice C, quality management system, is correct as it ensures that care is delivered at high standards and continuously monitored for improvement. Therefore, all these elements are crucial for successful case management implementation.

3. You believe that you are working harder than other nurses and that you take care of patients that are more complex. You are angry that other staff nurses have less complex and lower acuity patients, but you __________ .

A. Avoid discussing the situation because you do not want to be perceived as a complainer.
B. Know that you need to discuss the inequity with the nurse manager because you are resenting the work and becoming more dissatisfied in your job
C. A & B
D. None of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Professionals communicate their views in a respectful and direct manner. In discussing the situation with the manager, professionals may gain insights about their reactions to stress and how they can cope with the intense demands of the healthcare environment. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding discussing the situation does not address the underlying issue and may lead to increased frustration. Choice B is correct as it emphasizes the importance of addressing the inequity with the nurse manager to find a constructive solution. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide any guidance on how to handle the situation effectively.

4. How can a staff nurse recognize they are experiencing burnout? (EXCEPT)

A. They are spending more time talking to staff on other units.
B. Staff is questioning their clinical judgment.
C. They sleep longer hours, sometimes coming in late to work.
D. They are drinking alcohol more frequently to relax.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Recognizing burnout is essential to maintaining quality patient care. Spending more time talking to staff on other units is a common practice and does not necessarily indicate burnout. On the other hand, staff questioning their clinical judgment, sleeping longer hours or coming in late to work, and resorting to alcohol to relax are signs of burnout. These behaviors can impact patient care and indicate the professional is struggling to cope with stressors.

5. In the traditional rating scale, what is the time period typically used for evaluation?

A. Twelve months
B. Six months
C. Three months
D. One month

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the traditional rating scale, evaluations are typically conducted over a 12-month period. This duration allows for a comprehensive assessment of the employee's performance and progress throughout the year, capturing a broader range of experiences and accomplishments to provide a more holistic evaluation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the standard practice of conducting annual evaluations in a traditional rating scale setting.