While preparing a client for surgery, the nurse marks the arm that is to be amputated and participates in a "time out" procedure before the surgery begins. Which sentinel event is this action intended to prevent?
A)Ineffective control of the client's pain
B)The lack of healing of the stump
C)The client being mildly oversedated
D)The removal of the wrong arm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)A sentinel event is an unexpected event that causes death or severe physical or psychological injury. The removal of the client's incorrect arm would be a sentinel event. Mild oversedation is not a sentinel event, as the client is most likely on a ventilator during surgery. The inability to heal properly is an expected event in some clients, such as clients with diabetes. Pain control is individual and is not a sentinel event.
B)A sentinel event is an unexpected event that causes death or severe physical or psychological injury. The removal of the client's incorrect arm would be a sentinel event. Mild oversedation is not a sentinel event, as the client is most likely on a ventilator during surgery. The inability to heal properly is an expected event in some clients, such as clients with diabetes. Pain control is individual and is not a sentinel event.
C)A sentinel event is an unexpected event that causes death or severe physical or psychological injury. The removal of the client's incorrect arm would be a sentinel event. Mild oversedation is not a sentinel event, as the client is most likely on a ventilator during surgery. The inability to heal properly is an expected event in some clients, such as clients with diabetes. Pain control is individual and is not a sentinel event.
D)A sentinel event is an unexpected event that causes death or severe physical or psychological injury. The removal of the client's incorrect arm would be a sentinel event. Mild oversedation is not a sentinel event, as the client is most likely on a ventilator during surgery. The inability to heal properly is an expected event in some clients, such as clients with diabetes. Pain control is individual and is not a sentinel event.

While Preparing a Client for Surgery, the Nurse Marks the Arm