Which of the following is NOT classified as a sentinel event?

Sentinel events are unexpected occurrences related to patient safety that result in death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof. These events signal the need for immediate investigation and response to prevent future occurrences.

In this context, options such as a hemolytic transfusion reaction, wrong site surgery, and infant abduction are all examples of sentinel events because they directly involve significant harm to patients, impacting their safety and well-being in a medical setting. Each of these events indicates a serious lapse in safety protocols that requires attention and corrective action.

In contrast, financial audits do not pertain to direct patient care or safety incidents. They are evaluations of a healthcare organization’s financial practices and are unrelated to patient outcomes or safety concerns. Thus, a financial audit does not fit the definition of a sentinel event, as it does not directly lead to physical or psychological harm to patients.

This distinction clarifies why the correct answer identifies financial audits as not being classified as a sentinel event.