Question

Which of the following are components of the joint commission's description of a sentinel event?

1) Preventable situation.
2) Associated with the patient's illness or underlying condition.
3) Results in death or serious harm.
4) Requires intervention to sustain life.

Answer 1

The Joint Commission defines a sentinel event as a preventable situation that results in death or serious harm and requires intervention to sustain life, but it is not associated with the patient's illness or underlying condition. Options 1), 3), and 4) in the question related to this definition. The correct option is 1) Preventable situation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Joint Commission's description of a sentinel event involves several components, which include:

1. A preventable situation.
2. Unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof. Serious injury specifically includes loss of limb or function.
3. The incident is not related to the natural course of the patient's illness or underlying condition.
4. The event requires intervention to sustain life.

So, to answer the question, options 1), 3), and 4) are components of the Joint Commission's description of a sentinel event. Option 2), 'Associated with the patient's illness or underlying condition,' is not included because sentinel events are independent of the patient's condition. The correct option is 1) Preventable situation.