RECOGIZING CHANGE
A patient who is normally alert suddenly becomes confused. Is this something to report?
Yes. A sudden change in mental status is a significant change requiring assessment and escalation.
What is an early warning sign of respiratory difficulty?
New shortness of breath
A patient who was previously awake and interactive becomes increasingly difficult to awaken
Decreased level of consciousness—a potentially life-threatening change requiring urgent evaluation.
FEVER AND CHILLS
POSSIBLE INFECTION
A patient’s normal BP is 120/70, but today it is 88/54 and they feel dizzy. What should you recognize?
significant change from baseline. Must be reported
A patient’s respiratory rate is 30/min and they appear anxious.
Possible early respiratory distress, administer ordered interventions and monitor for change
INCREASED OR PROLONGED SIEZURE ACTIVITY, WITHOUT RESOLUTION AFTER INTERVENTIONS.
THIS IS EMERGENT
FEVER, RAPID HEART RATE
SEVERE SYSTEMATIC INFECTION, NEEDS MEDICAL ATTENTION
A caregiver tells you, “Something just doesn’t seem right with my patient.” What should you do?
Take the concern seriously and escalate appropriately.
Which finding requires urgent/emergent attention?
A. New blue/gray discoloration
B. Normal skin color
C. Baseline cough
A. New blue/gray discoloration
SUDDEN ONSET OF SEVERE HEADACHE
MAY REQUIRE EVALUATION FROM PHYSICIAN
REDNESS,WARMTH OF AREA OF THE SKIN OR WOUND.
POSIBLE INFECTION