Nurse Manager

Answer: A - The discovery of an uncharged defibrillator before it was needed is considered a sentinel event because it is risky. Fortunately, it was discovered before it was needed for life saving measures, but nonetheless, it is considered a sentinel event. It is a danger signal that has to be investigated so it is corrected before harm is done. Patient falls, transfusion reactions and medication errors are all considered sentinel events but not because they are risky. These events have actually occurred.