Certified Healthcare Safety Professional (CHSP) Practice Exam

What characterizes a sentinel event?

1. An improvement in healthcare protocols

2. A non-related event that leads to severe patient harm

3. A routine check-up in patient care

4. A patient complaint about service

The correct answer is: A non-related event that leads to severe patient harm

A sentinel event is characterized by an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof. This definition highlights that such events indicate a problem in the healthcare system that needs to be addressed promptly. Option B is the correct choice because it emphasizes the severity of patient harm that can be associated with a sentinel event, capturing the essential aspect of unexpected and serious outcomes that warrant immediate investigation and response. In the context of healthcare, sentinel events are serious enough that they should trigger a thorough review and analysis to prevent recurrence. Other options do not align with the definition of a sentinel event. For instance, an improvement in healthcare protocols would typically be a positive development rather than a harmful occurrence. A routine check-up in patient care does not involve serious harm or adverse outcomes, and a patient complaint about service, while potentially significant, does not necessarily indicate a sentinel event unless it involves severe harm to the patient.