Which of the following scenarios requires an incident report?

Which of the following scenarios requires an incident report?

• A. A client requesting to view their medical record
• B. A client complaining about poor care from a nurse
• C. A client leaving against medical advice (AMA)
• D. A client requesting an increase in pain medication

Answer: (B)

An incident report is required in situations that pose a risk to patient safety or signify deviations from standard care protocols. The scenario involving a client complaining about poor care from a nurse is appropriately captured by an incident report, as it indicates that there may have been a failure in the standard of care that warrants investigation and corrective action. Documentation of such complaints is essential not only for quality assurance but also for protecting both patients and healthcare staff, helping to identify patterns that may require additional training or systemic changes. In contrast, the other scenarios do not generally necessitate an incident report. A client requesting to view their medical record is a routine access request governed by legal rights and typically doesn't indicate an issue of safety or care quality. A client leaving against medical advice (AMA) is a significant event, but it is often documented through specific discharge forms rather than a formal incident report, provided the client is informed of the risks. Similarly, a client requesting an increase in pain medication can be addressed through standard clinical processes and does not automatically signal an incident that requires formal reporting. Thus, the correct answer highlights a situation where formal documentation is essential for addressing potential lapses in patient care.

An incident report is required in situations that pose a risk to patient safety or signify deviations from standard care protocols. The scenario involving a client complaining about poor care from a nurse is appropriately captured by an incident report, as it indicates that there may have been a failure in the standard of care that warrants investigation and corrective action. Documentation of such complaints is essential not only for quality assurance but also for protecting both patients and healthcare staff, helping to identify patterns that may require additional training or systemic changes.

In contrast, the other scenarios do not generally necessitate an incident report. A client requesting to view their medical record is a routine access request governed by legal rights and typically doesn't indicate an issue of safety or care quality. A client leaving against medical advice (AMA) is a significant event, but it is often documented through specific discharge forms rather than a formal incident report, provided the client is informed of the risks. Similarly, a client requesting an increase in pain medication can be addressed through standard clinical processes and does not automatically signal an incident that requires formal reporting. Thus, the correct answer highlights a situation where formal documentation is essential for addressing potential lapses in patient care.