The nurse manager notes that documentation in the medical record about a client's fall does not match the information identified on the occurrence report. What could be the potential outcome of this inconsistency?

Question

1. A court case would not occur
2. Valuable information would be forgotten
3. Client's hospitalization could be prolonged
4. Termination of the nurse completing the occurrence form

Answer 1

2

Rationale 1: Eliminating information from an occurrence report would not stop a court case from occurring.

Rationale 2:When completing an unusual occurrence form with possible legal implications, it is very important to document all details of the incident. Frequently, lawsuits are not filed for months or even years after an incident, when it will not be easy to recall details of care. It is essential to document important details promptly on the form.

Rationale 3: Eliminating information from an occurrence report would not necessarily prolong the client's hospitalization.

Rationale 4:Eliminating information from an occurrence report would not necessarily cause the nurse to be terminated.

Global Rationale: When completing an unusual occurrence form withpossible legal implications, it is very important to documentall details of the incident. Frequently, lawsuits are not filedfor months or even years after an incident, when it will notbe easy to recall details of care. It is essential to documentimportant details promptly on the form.Eliminating information from an occurrence report would not stop a court case from occurring.Eliminating information from an occurrence report would not necessarily prolong the client's hospitalization or cause the nurse to be terminated.