A nurse is contributing to an in-service for newly licensed nurses about situations requiring an incident report. Which of the following examples should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
An incident report is a tool used to document any unexpected or adverse event that occurs in the healthcare setting. It is important to report incidents to ensure proper investigation, analysis, and implementation of measures to prevent future occurrences. In this example, the incident involves an error with an electronic IV pump resulting in the delivery of an incorrect amount of fluid, which can have serious implications for the client's safety and well-being. The other examples listed may require further actions but may not necessarily require an incident report: A nurse discovers that a client's family member has administered a PCA dose: While it is concerning that a client's family member administered a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) dose, it is more appropriate to address this situation through immediate intervention, education, and communication with the healthcare provider. An incident report may not be necessary unless there are further complications or system issues related to this incident. A nurse observes another nurse remove wrist restraints one at a time from a client who is currently calm: While the observation of improper restraint removal raises concerns about proper restraint protocol, it is more appropriate to address this situation through immediate intervention and communication with the involved nurse and healthcare provider. Depending on the severity of the situation, an incident report may or may not be warranted, but it is not the primary action in this case. A nurse observes a client vomiting after receiving an oral pain medication: While it is important to assess and address the client's condition and any adverse reactions, such as vomiting after receiving medication, it may not necessarily require an incident report. The nurse should assess the client, notify the healthcare provider, and document the incident appropriately in the client's medical record.