Which of the following is an example of an adverse event in a clinical setting?

An adverse event in a clinical setting refers to an incident that results in harm or injury to a patient. In this context, heel blisters due to a rough spot on an insert directly exemplifies an adverse event because it represents a physical consequence of care that negatively affects the patient's wellbeing. This incident arises from a failure in the healthcare process—specifically, it indicates a problem with the quality and safety of the device used for treatment, leading to discomfort and potential complications for the patient.

While missing a patient's appointment and a patient falling in the facility can have negative implications, they are not classified as adverse events in the same way. Missing an appointment may disrupt care but does not directly cause harm to the patient on its own. Similarly, while a fall may potentially result in injury, it depends on the circumstances surrounding it. The focus on the quality of care and the direct harm caused to the patient with the rough insert highlights why this scenario is a clearer representation of an adverse event.