Which action should be taken when a client has a syncopal episode in a healthcare facility?

When a client experiences a syncopal episode in a healthcare facility, the priority is to ensure patient safety and maintain a comprehensive record of the incident for quality assurance and risk management. Filing an occurrence report is crucial because it formally documents the event, allowing the healthcare facility to analyze incidents of this nature. This report helps identify trends, contributing factors, and potential areas for improvement in patient care and safety protocols.

Additionally, an occurrence report serves as an official record that can be referenced in future evaluations of patient incidents, ensuring that the healthcare team can implement preventive measures to avoid similar occurrences. This type of documentation is an essential part of maintaining high standards of care and protecting both patients and healthcare providers.

While other actions may also be important in addressing the immediate needs of the patient or informing other staff members, filing an occurrence report is a fundamental step in addressing the systematic aspects of care following such an event.