What is an example of a reviewable sentinel event?

A reviewable sentinel event is typically defined as an unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury, or the risk thereof. This type of event signals the need for immediate investigation and response. The correct answer is the incidence of infant abduction, as it represents a serious breach of security and safety within a healthcare facility that could lead to severe consequences for the infant and the healthcare institution.

The significance of infant abduction as a sentinel event lies in the potential for irreversible harm, both to the patient (in this case, the infant) and the healthcare provider's reputation. The circumstances surrounding such an event demand thorough investigation to identify system failures and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

In contrast, incidences like an unruly patient, while they may cause disruptions, do not generally fit the sentinel event criteria since they do not typically lead to serious physical or psychological injury. A blood transfusion reaction is certainly serious and warrants careful review, but it can be anticipated and sometimes managed; it may not always be classified as a sentinel event unless it results in unexpected mortality. Hospital-acquired infections are indeed serious and should be addressed, but not every case rises to the level of a sentinel event unless it leads to severe patient harm or death.