What step should the nurse take to alert the risk management system after a patient injury?

• A. Document in the medical record that an occurrence report has been filed.
• B. Document that the primary care provider has been contacted in the medical record.
• C. Document the incident in the occurrence report tool.
• D. Do not document that an occurrence report has been filed.

Answer: (C)

The main concept is that after a patient injury, the alert to risk management comes through the dedicated incident or occurrence reporting system, not through the patient’s chart. Entering the incident in the occurrence report tool ensures it’s captured for risk assessment, investigation, and quality improvement, while keeping clinical documentation in the medical record separate from administrative notifications. Documenting that an occurrence report has been filed in the medical record could confuse care records and isn’t how risk management access is triggered. Likewise, the medical record should reflect care provided and any communications with the team, not serve as the alert for risk management. The step to take is to record the incident in the occurrence report tool so the appropriate departments can review and act.