Which term is defined as an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury?

• A. An expected complication of hospitalization
• B. An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury
• C. A near miss that could have caused harm
• D. An administrative error that did not affect patient outcome

Answer: (B)

Sentinel events are defined by an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury, or the risk thereof. In healthcare, such events signal a breakdown in safety processes and prompt immediate investigation and root cause analysis to identify system failures and implement changes to prevent recurrence. This distinguishes them from expected complications, which are known risks of care and not considered sentinel, and from near misses, which are events that could have caused harm but did not reach the patient. An administrative error that doesn’t affect the outcome likewise does not meet the criteria for a sentinel event.