Which of the following is an example of a sentinel event?

A sentinel event is defined as an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof, that necessitates immediate investigation and response. The concept emphasizes the need for healthcare organizations to identify and learn from these significant events in order to improve safety and quality of care.

In this context, unanticipated death is a clear example of a sentinel event because it represents an unexpected outcome that may signify a serious underlying issue in patient care processes. Such instances require immediate attention to determine the cause and to implement strategies to prevent future occurrences. By focusing on factors that could lead to similar outcomes, healthcare organizations can significantly enhance safety protocols and improve overall patient care.

Contrastingly, medical errors due to equipment malfunction could be considered a separate category that may or may not result in a sentinel event depending on the outcome. Regular patient discharge protocols and routine personnel training sessions are standard procedures aimed at ensuring safety and quality but do not represent unexpected outcomes that would typically be classified as sentinel events.