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. An RN�s client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN�s teaching to the client?

A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
C. A DNR order can be written after the health-care provider has discussed it with the client and family.
D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients may request a DNR order, but they need to be fully informed of all the ramifications of the decision. Therefore, the health-care provider will consult with the client and family before the order is written.

3. What is the primary goal of patient education?

A. To enhance clinical skills
B. To ensure patient safety
C. To empower patients to take control of their health
D. To improve patient compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To empower patients to take control of their health.' Patient education aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to actively participate in managing their health conditions. Choice A, 'To enhance clinical skills,' is incorrect as patient education focuses on empowering patients, not enhancing healthcare providers' skills. Choice B, 'To ensure patient safety,' is incorrect because while patient safety is crucial, the primary goal of patient education is to empower patients. Choice D, 'To improve patient compliance,' is also incorrect as the main aim is to empower patients to make informed decisions and take an active role in their healthcare.

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: C

Rationale: Values are organized ways of thinking about the meaning of life.

5. A client is having difficulty breathing while receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula in a supine position. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?

A. Suction the client's airway.
B. Instruct the client to perform incentive spirometry every hour.
C. Assist the client to an upright position.
D. Humidify the client's supplemental oxygen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority intervention is to assist the client to an upright position. This position helps improve ventilation by maximizing lung expansion and promoting better oxygenation. Suctioning the airway may be necessary if there is an obstruction, but repositioning the client is the initial step. Instructing the client to perform incentive spirometry and humidifying oxygen are important interventions but not the first priority in this scenario.