Objective To conduct a scoping review of the application status and effect of trigger tools for nursing adverse event monitoring, and to provide reference for promoting the application of trigger tools in China.Methods Using the Joanna Briggs Institute scope review guidelines as the methodological framework, a systematic search for relevant literature was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang data, VIP website and the SinoMed from the establishment of the database to May 2024.Results A total of 21 articles were included, the primary outcome indicators were inpatient adverse event rate, adverse events per 1,000 patient days, and Adverse events per 100 admissions; the study subjects mainly included general hospitalized patients, pediatric patients, surgical patients, emergency patients, etc.; the main types of nursing adverse events were healthcare-associated infections, pressure injuries, falls, adverse events related to blood transfusion or use of blood products, etc.Conclusion Trigger tool is a feasible method to monitor nursing adverse event, but the national development is still in its initial stage, the research scope should be continuously expanded to develop more professional and efficient trigger tools in the future.