Final answer:
A nurse would include in an incident report any event that compromises patient safety, such as medication errors, procedural deviations, equipment failures, safety hazards, confidentiality breaches, incidents of aggression or violence, and theft. These reports are essential for documenting risks and improving healthcare quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
Examples of incidences or occurrences that a nurse would include in an incident report are varied and primarily center around patient safety. Common examples that warrant an incident report include:
- Medication errors, such as administering the wrong medication or dosage.
- Procedure-related incidents, for instance, when the procedure performed deviates from the established standard or protocol.
- Safety hazards, like slips, trips, or falls within the healthcare facility.
- Incidents involving equipment failure or malfunctions that could affect patient care.
- Any compromises to patient privacy or confidentiality.
- Incidents involving aggression or violence, either among patients or between patients and staff.
- Theft or misplacement of hospital property that might impact patient safety.
- Adverse patient reactions or outcomes, especially those that are unexpected or preventable.
Moreover, the nurse might review items with the team, such as the completeness of needle, sponge, and instrument counts, or issues with correctly labeling specimens with the patient's name. Such details are crucial to ensure the accuracy and safety of patient care.
Additionally, incidents reflecting systemic issues, such as the theft of painkillers by healthcare workers, should also be documented to facilitate the necessary legal and administrative responses. Incident reports are critical in healthcare as they help to document and address potential risks, thereby improving patient safety and healthcare quality.