Question

A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about events that require an occurrence report. Which of the following events should the nurse include?

1) Medication error
2) Patient fall
3) Equipment malfunction
4) Visitor complaint

Answer 1

When teaching about occurrence reports, a nurse should include medication errors, patient falls, and equipment malfunctions which require documentation to improve patient safety and facilitate risk management.

Step-by-step explanation:

Occurrence Reports in Healthcare

Occurrence reports, also known as incident reports, are critical in healthcare settings for the documentation and management of unexpected events that can affect patient safety and care quality. The nurse teaching the class should include the following events when discussing the necessity of occurrence reports:

1. Medication error: These involve any mistake in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that could lead to patient harm.
2. Patient fall: Falls can lead to significant injuries and are considered preventable events within healthcare facilities.
3. Equipment malfunction: When medical equipment fails or malfunctions, it is vital to document the occurrence to prevent further issues and to facilitate corrective actions.
4. Visitor complaint: While not as critical as the first three, documentation of complaints can help improve service quality and address potential systemic issues.

By including these scenarios in the class, the nurse ensures that healthcare professionals are aware of the broad range of incidents that require documentation. This awareness facilitates a proactive approach to risk management and reinforces the importance of a safe environment for both patients and staff.