NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

An unexpected patient death that is not related to the patient's illness is termed a:

1. Root cause.

2. Human error.

3. Sentinel event.

4. Professional liability.

The correct answer is: Sentinel event.

An unexpected patient death that is not related to the patient's illness is termed a sentinel event. This term is significant in healthcare settings as it alerts organizations that a serious event has occurred, prompting an investigation to understand the root causes and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Sentinel events are indicators of potential systemic issues within healthcare facilities, and they emphasize the need for safety measures and quality improvement. The other terms listed do not fit the context of an unexpected death. Root cause refers to the primary factor that contributes to an event's happening, while human error typically signifies a mistake made by personnel in the process of care. Professional liability pertains to legal responsibility that a healthcare provider has concerning patient care, not to unexpected deaths specifically. Understanding the distinction between these terms provides insights into patient safety protocols and the importance of continuous monitoring in healthcare environments.