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. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Incompetence jeopardizes patient safety. Therefore, the formal process for handling these practices should be followed.

3. A manager is prioritizing the following issues. Of the following issues, which should be considered urgent and important?

A. The manager of physical therapy calls and complains about inappropriate behaviors of one of the staff nurses with one of his therapists.
B. A staff nurse reports a pattern of malfunctioning IV pumps on the unit during her current shift, resulting in overdosing of medications.
C. One of the staff nurses, who would have been an extra nurse for the next shift, calls in sick.
D. A small group of staff nurses request a meeting to discuss initiating a scheduling committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because patient safety is a critical concern in healthcare settings. Malfunctioning IV pumps leading to medication overdosing poses a direct threat to patient safety and must be addressed urgently. Choice A involves interpersonal issues between staff members which are important but can be addressed in a less urgent manner compared to patient safety concerns. Choice C, a staff nurse calling in sick, is important for staffing but can be managed through existing protocols. Choice D, initiating a scheduling committee, is a routine operational matter that can be addressed at a later time and does not pose an immediate risk to patient safety.

4. Which of the following best describes the ethical concept of values?

A. Values are an individual�s feelings about situations.
B. Values are learned through family systems.
C. Values are organized ways of thinking about the meaning of life.
D. Values determine the rightness or wrongness of behavior.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Values are how individuals feel about ideas, situations, and concepts.

5. Within the fast-paced, changing healthcare environment, job satisfaction will influence your success. What other characteristic is an asset?

A. Being friendly
B. Humility
C. Ability to anticipate consequences
D. Flexibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the fast-paced and evolving healthcare setting, flexibility is a crucial asset. Shaffer (2006) emphasizes the importance of being adaptable to change for professional growth. While being friendly and having humility are positive traits, they may not directly address the need to adapt to the dynamic healthcare environment. Anticipating consequences is valuable but may not encompass the breadth of skills needed to navigate rapid changes effectively.