A client with a nasogastric tube to suction has been prescribed trache

QUESTION

A client with a nasogastric tube to suction has been prescribed tracheostomy suctioning as needed to maintain airway integrity.

While rounding after report the nurse notes that the tubing for the nasogastric suction has been switched with that to be used for the tracheostomy suctioning. How should the charge nurse categorize this error?
1. Latent
2. Active
3. Technical
4. Organizational system

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 2

This is an active error. Errors can be classified as: latent-outside of the purview of the clinician, can involve organizational policies, procedures, allocation of resources, sometimes referred to as the blunt end; active-involves direct contact with the patient, usually encompasses direct care provided by clinicians or bedside staff, also known as the sharp end; organizational system-indirect failures involving management, organizational culture, protocols/processes, transfer of knowledge, and external factors; technical-indirect failure of facilities or external resources.