Which of the following is an example of an adverse event?

In the context of healthcare and pedorthics, an adverse event refers to an incident that results in harm to the patient or complications that could affect their health and well-being, often as a consequence of care or treatment.

When considering the provided options, heel blisters resulting from a rough spot on an insert are categorized as an adverse event. This is because the blisters indicate harm directly associated with the use of a pedorthic device, suggesting a failure in either the design or fitting of the insert, which could lead to further issues if not resolved. The development of blisters can lead to pain, discomfort, or more serious complications if the issue persists.

In contrast, missing a patient’s appointment may not directly lead to physical harm, nor does it imply a failure of care; it is more an administrative issue. Similarly, while a patient falling while walking out of the facility is indeed a serious concern, the situation can arise from various factors that might not directly correlate with the quality of care provided (such as other environmental or situational elements).

Thus, while heel blisters exemplify a direct consequence of a pedorthic intervention that negatively impacts the patient's health, the other situations do not necessarily fit the definition of an adverse event as clearly