Colorado CNA Practice Exam

What is a sentinel event?

1. An incident requiring management intervention

2. A minor harm event

3. An occurrence involving death or serious injury

4. A near-miss event without any harm

The correct answer is: An occurrence involving death or serious injury

A sentinel event is an unexpected event that causes death or serious injury to a patient. This can include events such as wrong site surgeries, medication errors, and falls resulting in serious harm. Option A is incorrect because not all incidents require management intervention. Option B is incorrect as it refers to a minor harm rather than death or serious injury. Option D is incorrect as it refers to close calls or near misses rather than actual events resulting in harm.