Patient Safety Protocols Flashcards

Per The Joint Commission, a sentinel event is a patient safety event that results in which outcome?

Answer: Death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm

Sentinel events involve death, permanent harm, or severe temporary harm and require root cause analysis.

What is the primary purpose of a root cause analysis after a laboratory error?

Answer: To identify underlying system and process failures

RCA focuses on system causes to prevent recurrence rather than assigning individual blame.

A laboratory error was caught before the result reached the patient. How should it be handled?

Answer: Report it as a near miss through the event reporting system

Near-miss reporting reveals system weaknesses and supports a culture of safety.

In the RACE fire response acronym, what is the first step?

Answer: Rescue anyone in immediate danger

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish or Evacuate, with rescue of people in danger first.

In the PASS technique for using a fire extinguisher, what does the 'A' instruct?

Answer: Aim at the base of the fire

PASS means Pull, Aim at the base, Squeeze, and Sweep side to side.

A transfusion reaction is suspected while blood is infusing. What is the first action?

Answer: Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline

Stopping the transfusion immediately limits exposure, and saline maintains venous access for treatment.

A chemical splashes into a technologist's eyes. How long should the eyes be flushed at the eyewash station?

Answer: At least 15 minutes

OSHA and ANSI guidance call for at least 15 minutes of continuous flushing after an eye exposure.