Which incident requires completion of an adverse event report?

An adverse event report is necessary when there is a significant incident that poses risk or harm to a patient, especially those that are preventable or result from an error or system failure. In this case, a client with cellulitis experiencing a worsening condition after missed antibiotics indicates a failure in the treatment plan.

The worsening of cellulitis due to a missed dose of antibiotics could lead to serious complications, and it reflects a lapse in the clinical process that needs to be addressed. Documenting such incidents through an adverse event report helps ensure accountability, allows for an investigation into what went wrong, and aids in preventing future occurrences by identifying areas where improvements can be made in patient care practices.

Other scenarios presented may involve incidents that are concerning but do not necessarily fall under the criteria for a formal adverse event report. Adverse event reports are aimed at significant harm or potential harm, while an administered medication 30 minutes late or a client sliding off the bed, although needing attention, may not require such formal documentation unless they lead to significant harm or indicate systemic issues. Seizures in clients with a known history, while serious, may not warrant a report if they occur as expected in the course of the patient's condition.