The risk management nurse is reviewing client records. Which nursing intervention could have contributed to a sentinel event?

Question

The risk management nurse is reviewing client records.  Which nursing intervention could have contributed to a sentinel event?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A sentinel event is any unanticipated event in a health care setting that results in death or serious physical or psychological injury. Warfarin is an anticoagulant often used in clients with the following: Atrial fibrillation (to prevent clot formation and reduce the risk for stroke) Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (to prevent additional clots) Mechanical heart valves (to prevent clot formation on valves) The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is a blood test used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. The typical target INR is 2-3. In some instances (eg, mechanical heart valves), the therapeutic INR target is as high as 3.5. The higher the INR, the higher the bleeding risk. The nurse should not administer warfarin if the INR is over 4. (Option A) Flumazenil is the appropriate antidote for a benzodiazepine overdose. (Option B) Insulin quickly lowers serum potassium by pushing it intracellularly. Dextrose is given to prevent hypoglycemia. This is an appropriate action. (Option D) Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator often used for hypertensive urgencies. Educational objective: The target International Normalized Ratio (INR) for most conditions in which warfarin is used is normally 2-3 and is occasionally 3.5. The risk of bleeding increases as the INR rises.

The Risk Management Nurse Is Reviewing Client Records