Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What action should the OR staff take if there is a sentinel event involving equipment?

1. Notify the public immediately

2. Remove and sequester the equipment

3. Discuss the incident with other staff

4. Immediately replace the equipment

The correct answer is: Remove and sequester the equipment

In the event of a sentinel event involving equipment, the appropriate action is to remove and sequester the equipment. This step is crucial for several reasons. First, it prevents further use of the potentially faulty equipment, which could pose additional risks to patient safety. By sequestering, or isolating, the equipment, the surgical team can ensure that no one else is exposed to the potential dangers it may present. Furthermore, this action allows for a thorough investigation to take place without the interference of ongoing use. It enables the biomedical engineering team or the appropriate personnel to assess the equipment for malfunctions or safety issues, ensuring that any necessary corrective measures can be implemented before the equipment is returned to service. While discussing the incident with staff and reporting it is important for transparency and communication, the immediate priority should be addressing the safety concern posed by the equipment itself. Immediate replacement may not be feasible or effective without first assessing the root cause of the sentinel event. Additionally, notifying the public is not standard protocol in response to equipment-related sentinel events, as the focus should be on internal processes and safety investigations.