In which situation would a sentinel event most likely occur?

A sentinel event is defined as an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof. In this context, unexpected surgical complications are a scenario where a sentinel event is most likely to happen due to the high stakes involved in surgical procedures.

Surgeries often involve complex interactions among various systems, staff, and patients, which increases the potential for errors and complications. An unexpected complication during surgery can lead to severe outcomes such as prolonged hospitalization, disability, or even death, aligning with the definition of a sentinel event.

In contrast, routine patient check-ups, standard medication administration, and health education sessions typically operate within established protocols designed to ensure safety and reduce the likelihood of severe adverse events. These settings and procedures are generally more controlled, with lower risks compared to the unpredictable nature of surgical procedures, where factors such as patient response, procedural complications, and equipment failure can significantly impact outcomes. Therefore, the unexpected nature of surgical complications makes it the situation in which a sentinel event is most likely to occur.