A sentinel event is usually one that results in an unexpected outcome for the patient and "signals" the need for investigation and response. Which of the following would be considered a sentinel event? a. A patient who requires a left leg amputa-tion afte
a. A patient who requires a left leg amputa-tion after developing an arterial occlusion at the access site
b. An older adult patient who falls after try-ing to get up by herself
c. A patient who receives two doses of amiodarone because the nurse did not chart the first one
d. A patient whose peripheral pulses have not been checked for 2 hours after he returns from a cardiac catheterization
ANS: A
The patient incurred unexpected results from the procedure and lost a limb. The other options do not qualify as a sentinel event.
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