Match each clinical scenario to its correct patient safety classification.
- A bedside nurse mistakenly programs an intravenous infusion pump to deliver 100 mL/hr instead of the ordered 10 mL/hr.Active error
- A hospital pharmacy stocks two different high-alert medications that have nearly identical manufacturer packaging in adjacent bins.Latent error
- A patient undergoes an invasive orthopedic procedure on the incorrect extremity, resulting in permanent loss of function.Sentinel event
- A physician prescribes a medication to which the patient has a documented allergy, but the dispensing pharmacist identifies the error and halts the order.Near miss
Answer
The infusion pump error is an Active error; the identical packaging is a Latent error; the wrong-site surgery is a Sentinel event; the intercepted medication order is a Near miss.
Each scenario accurately matches a distinct category within the patient safety error taxonomy based on its origin, proximity to the patient, and ultimate outcome.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Classification of Medical Errors and Patient Safety Events