What is a sentinel event?

• A. A routine safety drill.
• B. A minor equipment malfunction without patient harm.
• C. An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury requiring investigation and response.
• D. An unexpected occurrence that is routine and harmless.

Answer: (C)

Sentinel events are unexpected patient safety events that result in death or serious harm, or have the potential to cause such harm, and they require a formal investigation and corrective action. This definition explains why the best choice describes an occurrence involving death or serious injury that triggers investigation and response. Routine drills, minor equipment issues without harm, or unexpected but harmless events do not meet the threshold that prompts a formal investigation and systemic corrective actions.