What tool does a nurse use to determine the cause of a patient's death after a sentinel event?

The correct answer is the tool known as Root Cause Analysis (RCA). This method is essential for investigating adverse events in healthcare settings, particularly when there is a sentinel event—the unexpected occurrence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury. RCA is a systematic approach designed to identify the underlying reasons for a problem, rather than focusing solely on immediate factors or symptoms.

In the context of a patient’s death following a sentinel event, RCA allows healthcare professionals to explore the complex interplay of organizational processes, human behavior, and system failures that may have contributed to the incident. By identifying the root causes, healthcare organizations can implement appropriate corrective actions to prevent recurrence, thereby improving patient safety and quality of care.

The other tools mentioned serve different purposes within healthcare. For example, the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) is a framework for testing and implementing changes, but it lacks the depth necessary for thorough diagnosis of failures after a sentinel event. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a proactive tool used for identifying potential failures before they occur, rather than analyzing events after they have taken place. Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) facilitates the electronic ordering of medications and tests, enhancing efficiency and communication, but does not address the